Although smartphones dominate the world, graphing calculators still exist. Not only that, it is still widely used by students everywhere, especially when taking certain exams where the use of other types of devices is not allowed.
Manufacturers like Casio and Texas Instruments are the kings of this mathematical universe, with their traditional graphing calculators and more advanced models, but they’re not the only ones. NumWorks was born as a calculator. modern design, lots of features and even Python support.
NumWorks, a calculator with Python
Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the industry and is widely used to stimulate students’ creativity and help introduce them to the world of mathematics. What if we could use them directly in the calculator we use every day? This recommends NumWorks.
Has a graphing calculator Built-in MicroPython 1.12is a Python 3 application designed to run on small, uncomplicated devices. Students not only use ready-made scenarios, but also can create charts and extend NumWorks functionality using code.
This new calculator also has many of the other features you would expect from a device called a “calculator”. Its creators promise that you can work with fractions, roots, parametric, polar and Cartesian functions, perform probability calculations, equations and more.
Perhaps one of the most outstanding aspects of the NumWorks calculator is its graphical interface and design. Unlike many current models, which, despite having many features, have graphics and lines inherited from past years, this offer has a much more up-to-date look.
It has a 216 MHz Cortex-M chip inside. shell Highlighted in bright colors, the case weighs 170 grams and has a battery-powered cover attached to the back. One charge promises 20 hours of use. The keyboard, meanwhile, is divided into three thematic areas. Price? $99 in the US and the manufacturer promises to ship to Europe.
A project that changes along the way
NumWorks was originally born as an open source calculator. The idea was to present the details of the hardware and software to the community. Even if anyone with the necessary resources could build their own calculator, or adapt existing documents for your own project.
Most of this essence remained, but some things changed. Last year, the manufacturer restricted the project’s openness so that the device could remain safe for exams (Texas Instruments limited the calculators’ capabilities a few years ago for the same reason).
Installation of custom software is currently allowed, but can no longer access all the hardware of the devicelimits its functionality. Also, the license was changed to prevent redistribution of the original NumWorks software.
However, it is still possible to access the hardware documentation to learn how the device is designed and explore its electronic schematics. At the software level, it is also possible to edit the Epsilon software to create a customized version, but for purely licensing reasons it is for use on NumWorks hardware only.