try Wolfram Alpha!

Wolfram Alpha is an answer engine developed by Wolfram Research.
It is an online service that answers factual queries directly by computing the answer from structured data, rather than providing a list of documents or web pages that might contain the answer as a search engine would.
It was announced in March 2009 by Stephen Wolfram, and was released to the public on May 15, 2009.

I know...
Wolfram|Alpha has been around for some time but:

try a classic request like:
- If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?
- The answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything

Nah! - seriously
(although the requests above produce decent results)

let's get to the real good stuff:


Step-by-Step Math

Have you ever given up working on a math problem because you couldn’t figure out the next step?
Wolfram|Alpha can guide you step by step through the process of solving many mathematical problems, from solving a simple quadratic equation to taking the integral of a complex function.

W|A can demonstrate solutions over a wide range of problems.
for example:

- If you need to learn how to do long division of polynomials, W|A can show you the steps

- If you are stumped trying to find the limit of x^x as x->0, consult W|A

- When you need to find the derivative of (3x²+1)/(6x³+4x), W|A will find this derivative using the quotient rule

- Are you trying to integrate e² x cos(3x), but forgot the formula for integration by parts? W|A will remind you how to integrate by parts

- W|A can do virtually any integral that can be done by hand


screenshot (click to enlarge)


The “Show steps” feature allows you to learn basic mathematics on your own, or it can simply be a nice way to check your work!
It can also give you insight on different ways to solve problems.

So next time you find yourself ready to give up on a math problem, make sure to check with Wolfram|Alpha.

to whom it may concern:
The step-by-step programs in Wolfram|Alpha rely on a combination of basic algorithms and heuristics including Gaussian elimination, l’Hôpital’s rule, and Bernoulli’s algorithm for rational integration. These heuristics are a logical formulation of the natural methods used by humans for solving problems. By utilizing Mathematica’s powerful pattern-matching capabilities, Wolfram|Alpha’s developers have morphed these rules into a platform for breaking down and structuring the solutions to complicated problems, which closely mimics the ways by which a human would solve problems of these natures.