Algebrator is a webapp to teach basic algebra using the Golden Rule of Equations: Do unto one side of the equation as you would do unto the other. It generates an equation with a random variable, and the user selects one of the four basic arithmetic operations, then a coefficient in the equation, and the same operation is automatically performed on both sides. Then the "simplify" button takes care of the arithmetic necessary to group all the terms.
I got the idea for the app from helping my brother with algebra. I wanted something to show that the meaning of the equation doesn't change as long as you do the same thing to both sides, and that all the tools you ever need to solve a single-variable equation are right in front of you. Hopefully this can help other students in middle and high school learn algebra without being discouraged by all the arithmetic.
Thanks go to Meaghan Fenelon for making the magic happen: it's really exciting to see my idea turned into a reality.
-KC
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