Desmos

> *"Desmos wants to build a world where every student learns math and **loves** learning math, where a student’s access to the power and beauty of math doesn't depend on their place of birth, race, ethnicity, gender, or any other aspect of their identity."*
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> - Desmos 'What We Do' Page
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Desmos is a family of free math tools used by mathematicians, students and teachers to show the beauty of maths. These tools are used by people all over the world - from the Graphing Calculator and Geometry being used to show beautiful mathematical visualizations, to students using the Scientific Calculator and Matrix Calculator to get by their exams, and teachers given a powerful learning tool that is Desmos Activities, which encompasses the other Desmos tools in a interface designed for students.

## Graphing Calculator

Being the most popular of the family, the Desmos Graphing Calculator is a powerful tool for illustrating mathematical rules. With Desmos, you can teach about fundamental mathematical theories using sliders, variables and animations all built into Desmos. Here are some of the features of the Graphing Calculator that, when combined together, create limitless possibilities:

* Sliders and Variables
* Various Types of Mathematical Expressions, including:
	+ Trig Functions
	+ Differential and Integral Expressions
	+ Parametric, Implicit and Polar Equations
	+ Inequalities
	+ Piecewise Functions
	+ Regressions
	+ Statistical and probability Distributions and Functions
	+ Histograms, Dot Plots and Box Plots
* Tables and Lists

... just to name the most commonly used.

There are also quality of life features such as:

* Font, Size and Style Customizability
* Notes, Images and Folders
* Axis Labeling and Grid Customization

To get started with the Desmos Graphing Calculator, check the 'Example' graphs found in the sidebar of the Graphing Calculator.

## Geometry

Being the newest member to the family, Geometry is used to show geometric constructions that features side lengths, angles and other features of shapes. I'm sure you can think of plenty uses for this powerful tool: from demonstrating the Pythagorean theorem, to demonstrating constructions involving rulers and pairs of compasses. The features of Geometry fall into two main categories:

### Construction

There are thirteen tools used in construction:

#### Primary Features

* Points
* Circles
* Polygons
* Angles
* Segments
* Lines
* Rays
* Vectors
* Arcs

#### Secondary Features

* Compass (Segment + Point)
* Midpoint (Segment)
* Parallel Line (Line + Point)
* Perpendicular Line (Line + Point)

### Transformations

Transformations that apply to constructions you made, they duplicate said constructions but modified. Each construction requires some construction input, which are shown in brackets in the following list of transformations:

* Reflection (Line)
* Translation (2 Points)
* Rotation (Point + Number)
* Dilation (Point + Number)
* Rotation + Dilation (3 Points)

## Scientific Calculator

Simple said, it's an intuitively designed scientific calculator; you might describe it as the Graphing calculator without the graphs and expressions, since all of the functions of the Scientific Calculator are available in the Graphing Calculator. The Scientific Calculator features variables, trig functions, simple statistical functions and other advanced functions.

## Matrix Calculator

Not much to be said here either, following the same interface as the Scientific Calculator, the Matrix Calculator is specialized in Matrix mathematics. Pressing the button 'New Matrix' makes a new matrix you can control the size of - up to 6 columns and 6 rows. You can multiply matrices, inverse them, raise them to powers, and transpose them (by using the

A
T

{\displaystyle A^T}

button). Reduced row echelon form (rref) can be used to find the inverse of a matrix, or solve systems of equations.

## Four Function Calculator

Also with the same interface as the Scientific Calculator, it's as simple as it gets. Four main functions: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division. Two Secondary Functions: the square root, and the 'ans' key for recalling the last answer.

## Activity Builder

An amazing activity builder, incorporates the best of all the other Desmos tools into a presentable package. Students can join with a code into slideshow style interactive experience. Teacher can show and teach students by having them experiment on live graphs, make calculations with the built-in calculator and more. Here are just some of the features that teachers have access to in the Activity Builder:

* **Text Input**

*Get texts input from students, you can even enable students to see each other's answers after submitting theirs*

* **Expression Input**

*Allows students to enter formatted mathematical equations*

* **Multiple Choice**

* **Checkboxes**

* **Ordered Lists**

*Scrambled lists that students need to order*

* **Sketching**

*Students get to sketch on graphs or images, this could be useful - for example - to test students for transformation of graphs*

These tools are perfect for teachers to create engaging and fun activities, but we're just scratching the surface. The Activity Builder allows for users to code elements of the slides with Computational Layer, which allows for limitless possibilities for the amount of interactive components skilled coders can build.

## Accessibility

> "Our mission at Desmos is to help every student learn math and love learning math. Our graphing calculator is used by millions of students all around the world, and we'd like to see that use expand to all students, including those with physical and cognitive disabilities. We have recently introduced improvements to the calculator to ensure students who are blind or visually impaired have the same opportunities as their peers to discover the joy of learning math."
> - Desmos Accessibility Page
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The Desmos team cares about providing accessibility features so that anyone can use their tools. That is why they've supported a wide range of accessibility software and built-in various accessibility features:

### Screen Readers

* Windows
	+ JAWS
	+ NVDA
	+ Microsoft Narrator

* Mac and iOS Devices' Built-in VoiceOver

* Chromebook's browser extension, ChromeVox

### Six Key Braille Input

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For instructions on how to setup these features visit the Desmos Accessibility Page

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## Overview

Desmos Reference Table
 Geometry
 Scientific Calculator
 Matrix Calculator
 Four Function Calculator