Equat|O (equatio) Extension.

 

If you've ever tried to include a mathematical equation, especially one with an exponent or root,  you know how hard it can be.  I have had to do it and ended up going back to early programming days of ^ to indicate it's a power or sqrt for square root because I couldn't find the symbol I wanted. 

If you haven't heard of it before, it is a chrome extension which allows you to construct creations, formulas, and so much more.  It is relatively easy to use and can be used with Google suites quite easily.  As noted Monday, if you are a teacher, you can download Equatio and upgrade to premium so you have access to all of it.  

It has an equation editor  which allows you to type in the equation you want.  It will make suggestions as you are typing things in based on the most commonly used equations and formulas and what you've done previously.  It also has a populated gallery of symbols, redone layouts, and common formulas.  This makes it easier to get the math done quicker.

In addition, it has a graphing editor which allows you to type in the equation and the editor graphs it on a four quadrant coordinate plane. Once it is graphed, it can be imported into Jamboard or other google application.  Another thing it offers is handwriting recognition. The handwriting recognition can be found on the tool.  It allows you to draw or write out the math and then translates it into print so it can be transported into the google app you want it in.  

There is another feature which makes it quite interesting.  The feature is called "Insert Mathspace". When you click on it, it opens a new tab one can use to insert math graphics such as shapes.  If you click on shapes, you'll find lots of math graphics such as fraction bars, standard geometric shapes, number lines, etc.  Then if you decide instead to use smart shapes, which allows you to create dynamic shapes so you can adjust the properties to make exactly what you want such as a number line, a grid, a protractor, coordinate plane, angle measure, etc.  

The smart shapes allow you to design drag and drop fractions to match  visual representations or matching one visual representation with an equivalent visual representation so students see fractions represented in more than one way. You could create analog clocks to match up with digital representations, or even have a protractor that can be used to measure unknown angles.

Equatio has so much to offer and the premium version is available for free to educators.  If you've never used it before, check it out in the Chrome store and have fun.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.