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Mentor Products, Inc.

The Mentor Mathematics Advisor

Mentor Products, Inc. recognized a lack of good math educational software, especially for algebra.  The Mentor Mathematics Advisor is an educational computer program developed to help algebra students learn fundamental skills in the manipulation of algebraic expressions and the solution of equations.  The Mentor Mathematics Advisor is not a fixed collection of problems but allows the student the freedom to enter his or her problem.  The student is not shown the steps to the solution but must think about the problem and enter the steps the student thinks are right.  The student is advised at each step on the correctness of that step.  This is useful to students studying at home that may not have a mathematician in the family.  Indeed, all students finding solution to equations and doing algebra homework without immediate access to a math expert will find the Mentor Mathematics Advisor useful.  You can follow this link to see the manual for the Mentor Mathematics Advisor.

Mentor Products recognized that quality math educational software is hard to find.  In particular, it is difficult to find algebraic software that goes beyond algebra tutorial presentation and provides help with algebra homework in an educationally sound way.  The Mentor Mathematics Advisor, developed by Dr. McLowery Elrod , provides needed help for all algebra students.

Are schools alone responsible for mathematics education?

Mentor recognizes the significant efforts that are occurring in mathematics education in the United States.  Mentor believes that additional emphasis should be placed on fundamental principles and that drill and practice will always remain a primary method for the learning of basic knowledge.  There is no substitute for student practice in solving algebra problems.  Algebra homework is necessary for students to master algebra. 

Mentor believes that students and parents should play a role in the educational process.  Students must do their homework.  Parents should insure that their students complete their assignments.

This web site and the Mentor Mathematics Advisor can help algebra students and their parents achieve success in this subject.  See our math education page for additional details about the views of Mentor Products on this subject.

Why should anyone study algebra?

1. If you deal with anything that is quantifiable, you are using algebra.  Examples include distance, area, volume, weight, temperature, and time.
2. Algebra is the gateway into science and technology.
   
3. Even if you do not wish to study science or technology, algebra is typically the student's first introduction to logical thought.  This alone would make the study of algebra worthwhile.
4. Algebra is a beautiful subject in its own right.  Too often algebra classes are so painful for the student that this beauty is lost.  Study is the means of gaining mastery of this subject.
   
5. The ability to manipulate algebraic expressions and equations are essential for quantitative higher order thinking skills.
   
6. Without an understanding of algebra, a person is limited in his or her understanding of the universe we live in and the processes that surround us.

Mentor believes that extensive algebra homework is required for most students to gain mastery of algebra.  Most algebra students benefit if they have expert guidance to help them catch mistakes.  An undiscovered mistake in a problem leads to both wasted time and, if not corrected, incorrect answers.  Tutorials are available to show the student how to work many types of problems.  The Mentor Mathematics Advisor is a unique, educationally sound program that short circuits errors as students work algebra homework while avoiding short circuiting the learning process by providing answers.