Please retain prompt to enter range for equation in version 23

[jrkimber]

Hi,
In the current version (22), when entering an equation that is solved numerically, the equation solver prompts the user to enter the range for the solutions. For example, the following trig equation is to be solved in the range -2pi < x < 2pi.

This is hugely intuitive and matches the steps a student would take to solve such an equation: entering the equation to be solved and the range in which to find solutions.

We have been using this with students to solve trig equations with great success. The students enter the equation, are prompted immediately to enter the specified range and are then given the full list of correct solutions. It has rather revolutionised our teaching of the topic this year.

I have now been playing with the Beta version of version 23 and have seen that as well as adding automatic ranging (a useful feature), the prompt has been removed.

The same trig equation now produces the following solutions by default, in a seemingly arbitrary range.

The issue here is that students are no longer prompted to enter the range, which will always be required when solving a question. Instead, they have to click on 'search interval', adjust the range and then see the correct list of solutions. My concern is that as well as being a longer process than before, it will likely lead to students forgetting to enter the range and then producing additional, incorrect solutions.

The prompt to enter a range is also important in highlighting to students, who are new to the topic, the fact that the equation is being solved within a specific range. Without it, students may be inclined to believe that they have received a 'full' set of solutions.

Additionally, it is rather a significant change to operational procedure for students (and teachers) who have already spent time getting to grips with how the calculator works, in an update very close to their exams.

Clearly, the new automatic range feature is a good development and will be convenient for solving a lot of (particularly non-trig) equations. My proposed solution is that it be implemented without removing the prompt to enter range so that the sequence of solving a trig equation would go as illustrated below.

I believe that this would bring the improvements of the new feature whilst retaining the advantages of the existing system.

Thanks,
James