The World of Computer Software/World_Of_Computer_Software-02-385-Vol-1of3.iso/m/mm42.zip/MM-MAN.DOC

Text File | 1992-12-27 | 18KB | 543 lines

                  CONTENTS


                                          Page

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1

HARD AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS . . . . . .  1

MAIN MENU WINDOW . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1

USING A MOUSE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2

SELECTING SOUND. . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2

SUBMENUS OR LEVEL WINDOWS. . . . . . . . .  3

LASER BLAST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3

BUG NUMBERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3

APPLESPIDER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4

TIMESTABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5

ADDITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
     Add Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
     Add Level 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
     Add Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
     Add Level 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6

SUBTRACTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
     Sub Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
     Sub Level 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
     Sub Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
     Sub Level 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7

MULTIPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
     Mul Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
     Mul Level 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
     Mul Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
     Mul Level 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8



DIVISION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
     Div Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
     Div Level 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
     Div Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
     Div Level 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9

ALGEBRA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9

SOME FINAL NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10





                 MOM'  MATH
                 The Manual



INTRODUCTION
The strength and prosperity of the U.S. has always
relied on the level of our education and character of
our people.  Now, the education level in the U.S. is
actually decreasing rather than increasing.  Illiteracy
is becoming common and knowledge of science and
technology is becoming rare.  In most U.S. Universities
the foreign students specializing in science and
technology now outnumber the American students.  By
placing this software on the market we hope to do our
part to rectify this problem.

This program is divided into 9 math options.  These are
Laser Blast, Bug Numbers, Applespider, Timestable,
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, and
Algebra.  Multiple levels are provided to allow growth.



HARD & SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
The minimum hardware requirements for running Mom's Math
are 265K RAM and color graphics adapter (CGA).  A mouse
and EGA are optional.  The minimum software requirement
is DOS version 2.0 or higher.



MAIN MENU WINDOW
This window lists all the main options you may choose
from.  There are several ways to select an option from
Main Menu.  You may use the up or down arrow keys to
highlight the desired option then press the ENTER key to
accept the option.  Or, you may press the key
corresponding to the first letter of the desired option
until the option is highlighted then press the ENTER
key.  You may also use the mouse to select an option as



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described in the next section.   Accept QUIT or press
the ESC key to stop the program.



USING A MOUSE
If you have a mouse and have installed it's driver, you
can use it in the option windows to select options.  To
select an option using the mouse just move the mouse
cursor to the option you want then press the left button
twice.  The first press will highlight the option and
the second press will select it.

The right mouse button can usually be used in place of
the escape key (ESC) to exit menus or options.  Also,
the left button can usually (not always) be used in
place of the ENTER or RETURN key.  Instructions are
usually given on the screen to tell you when this is
possible.

If you're not using a Microsoft (tm) compatible mouse
you may have trouble using Mom's Math.  If so, turn off
the mouse support in Mom' Math by pressing the t or T
key during the opening screen.  Tandy (tm) and Agiler
(tm) mice are sometimes not Microsoft (tm) compatible.



SELECTING SOUND
You may or may not want the computer to make sounds.  To
turn the sound off select the SOUND option from the Main
Menu.  Highlight the option then press ENTER or the left
mouse button.  The ON/OFF indicator will toggle on or
off depending on its previous state.

Most options will use sound to indicate wrong answers.
In all the options, if the sound is on, a tune is played
for every 100 points received.



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SUBMENUS OR LEVEL WINDOWS
Most options have submenu windows.  These windows are
used to select learning levels or to choose a particular
suboption.  Choose from these menus using the same
techniques as in Main Menu.  In particular, use the
mouse, arrow keys, or the key corresponding to the first
letter of the option to highlight the desired option
then press the ENTER key or the left mouse button to
accept.  Accept Return, or press the ESC key, or press
the right mouse button to return to Main Menu.



LASER BLAST
This is an exciting game that entertains and teaches
quantity.  First, a number of blocks are shown.  Then,
colored numbers begin to float across the screen.  The
object of the game is to shoot the correct number with
the laser.  The correct number is the one that equals
the number of blocks.  To shoot, simply push the SPACE
BAR.

To get numbers 0 through 4, start the game by choosing
the first option.  To get numbers 5 through 9 choose the
second option.  Obviously, most pre-schoolers should
start with the numbers 0 through 4.

Points are given for each hit.  The faster you play, the
more points given.  The speed can be increased by using
the > key and decreased using the < key.

To return to Main Menu press ESC.



BUG NUMBERS
This option teaches the concept of multi-digit numbers.
You are shown three large boxes.  The box on the right
will have 0 to 9 large individual bugs.  The center box
will have smaller bugs grouped in clusters of 10 each.
The box on the left will have very small bugs in groups



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of 100 bugs each.  Your job is to find how many bugs are
shown on the screen.

You must first count the number of groups that contain
100 bugs each.  Press this number on the keyboard.  This
gives you the most significant digit.  Next, count the
number of groups that contain 10 bugs and press this
number key.  This gives you the next most significant
digit.  Finally, count the number of large bugs on the
right side and type this number.  This gives you the
least significant digit and you're done.  Ten points and
an animation are given for completion.



APPLESPIDER
This is a very exciting and intense game that drills you
in basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, or
division.  From the Applespider opening screen choose
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, or Division.
Next, you must choose the playing speed.  Your options
are Very Slow, Slow, Medium, Fast, or Very Fast.  More
points are given for playing faster.

The applespider wants to eat your apple.  You must
prevent this by using the arrow keys to move the apple
out of the spider's way.  At the beginning you are given
10 free moves.  To get more moves you must solve the
equation at the bottom of the screen.  For every correct
answer you get five more moves and points are added to
your score.  As your score increases, the spider gets
faster.

Your Applespider score will get added to your total Math
score only if you win the game.  You win when you have
correctly answered 20 math problems.  When this happens
another apple will fall on the spider and squash him.

As always, press ESC to stop.



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TIMESTABLE
After selecting this option you'll have to select a
level from one to seven.  If you choose Level 5, for
example, the number 5 will be used in the multiplication
table.  After you choose a level a worm will move that
many apples onto the screen in one row.  Then, you'll
have to multiply that number by 1 to continue.  Let's
assume again that you chose the number 5.  After you
give the answer to 5 X 1 the worm will move another row
of 5 apples onto the screen.  You must now give the
answer to 5 X 2.  This continues until 5 rows are done.
You can always find the answer by adding the total
number of apples.

When you're done just press the ESC key.  You'll then be
shown how many points you accumulated.  More difficult
multiplication tables give higher scores.



ADDITION
This option has four levels of difficulty.  In each
level the numbers are chosen at random.

Add Level 1
In this beginner's level, stars are shown beside each
number.  The number of stars equals the number.  For
example, suppose you are asked to add the numbers 2 and
3.  Beside 2 there will be two stars and beside 3 there
will be three stars.  To find the answer just count the
number of stars, type the answer and press the ENTER
key.  After you've entered the correct answer you must
press a key to continue.

Add Level 2
This level is exactly like Level 1 except the numbers
are larger and the stars are not shown.

Add Level 3
This level illustrates how to add multiple digit numbers
by stepping you through the process.  Again, all numbers



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are chosen at random.  Active elements of the problem
are highlighted by flashing the digits.  Individual
questions in the form of simple equations are shown at
the bottom of the interactive window.   A flashing
cursor at the end of this equation indicates that an
input is expected.  If you enter the correct value it
will be placed in its proper spot.  The computer will
beep if the answer is incorrect.  When you've finished
with the problem, you must press a key to continue.

Add Level 4
This level is exactly like Level 3 except numbers with
decimals are used.

In each of these levels a complete correct answer is
rewarded by the addition of 10 points to your score.  If
sound is on you'll also get a tune for every 100 points.
You can press ESC to quit and return to Math Menu when
you're done.



SUBTRACTION
This option has four levels of difficulty.  In each
level the numbers are chosen at random.

Sub Level 1
In this beginners level, stars are shown beside each
number.  The number of stars equals the number.  If you
are asked to, for example, subtract 2 from 4 there will
be two stars beside the number 2 and four stars beside
the number 4.  However, two of the four stars beside the
number four will be blinking to indicate the two that
will be taken away.  Also, the two stars beside the
number 2 will be blinking.  To find the answer just
count the number of stars that are not blinking.  After
you've entered the correct answer you must press a key
to continue.

Sub Level 2
This level is exactly like Level 1 except the numbers



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are larger and the stars are not shown.

Sub Level 3
This level illustrates how to subtract multiple digit
numbers by stepping you through the process.  Again, all
numbers are chosen at random.  Active elements of the
problem are highlighted by flashing the digits.
Individual questions in the form of simple equations are
shown at the bottom of the interactive window.   A
flashing cursor at the end of this equation indicates
that an input is expected.  If you enter the correct
value it will be placed in its proper spot.  The
computer will beep if the answer is incorrect.  When
you've finished with the problem, you must press a key
to continue.

Sub Level 4
This level is exactly like Level 3 except numbers with
decimals are used.

In each of these levels a complete correct answer is
rewarded by the addition of 10 points to your score.  If
sound is on you'll also get a tune for every 100 points.
You can press ESC to quit and return to Math Menu when
you're done.



MULTIPLICATION
This option also has four levels of difficulty.

Mul Level 1
This level is similar to Add & Sub Level 1 because you
must count stars that do not blink to find the correct
answer.  The difference is that the stars are grouped
differently and there is only one line with stars.  For
example, suppose you are asked to find the product of 4
and 2.  At the bottom, where the answer belongs, you
will find two groups with four stars each.  In other
words, the computer has taken the four stars and placed
them in the answer line twice.  There is a total of 8



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stars and they have been placed on the line where the
number 8 belongs.

Mul Level 2
This level is like Level 1 but larger numbers are used
and no stars are displayed.


Mul Level 3
This level leads you through long multiplication with
multiple digit numbers.  As in Add & Sub levels 3 & 4,
active elements of the problem are highlighted by
flashing the numbers.  The instructions and questions to
be answered are displayed at the bottom of the
interactive window.  The flashing cursor at the end of
this question or equation is an indication that the
computer is waiting for an input.

Mul Level 4
Level 4 is identical to Level 3 except decimals are
used.

In each of these levels a complete correct answer is
rewarded by the addition of 10 points to your score.
You can press ESC to quit and return to Math Menu when
you're done or press any other key to continue.



DIVISION
This option also has four levels of difficulty.

Div Level 1
This level is similar to Add & Sub Level 1 because you
must count stars that do not blink to find the correct
answer.  The difference is that the stars are grouped
differently and there is only one line with stars.  If
you are asked to, for example, divide 12 by 3 then
beside the 12 will be placed three groups of stars with
4 stars in each group.  Only one group will not be
blinking.  So, if you count the stars that do not blink,



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you'll find the correct answer to be 4.

Div Level 2
This level is like Level 1 but larger numbers are used
and no stars are displayed.

Div Level 3
This level leads you through long division with multiple
digit numbers.  As in Add & Sub levels 3 & 4, active
elements of the problem are highlighted by flashing the
numbers.  The instructions and questions to be answered
are displayed at the bottom of the interactive window.
The flashing cursor at the end of this question or
equation is an indication that the computer is waiting
for an input.

Div Level 4
Level 4 is identical to Level 3 except decimals are
used.

In each of these levels a complete correct answer is
rewarded by the addition of 10 points to your score.
You can press ESC to quit and return to Math Menu when
you're done or press any other key to continue.


ALGEBRA
This option also has four levels of difficulty.  All
four levels are basic introductory algebra but the
difficulty level does increase slightly with each level.
In each level you must solve for the unknown value of Y.
Just follow the instructions and answer the questions,
and the computer will lead you through the solution.
When you see the cursor flashing, the computer is
waiting for an input.

In all the math instruction options, the active parts of
the equation are highlighted by flashing the numbers.
Also, the final correct answer is rewarded by the addition
of 10 points to your score.   Press ESC to quit and return
to Math Menu when you're done or press any other key to



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continue.



SOME FINAL NOTES
I hope you enjoy this software and your children learn
much from it.  I'll continue making additions,
improvements, and corrections.  Other software packages
may be prettier but the fancy graphics require huge
amounts of memory and, therefore, limit the utility of
the software.  I believe those software packages are all
bun and very little meat.  Mom's Math is designed to
have just the right amount of both to make it useful and
attractive.

This software is dedicated to three people.  First, to
my wife for her patience as I've worked late nights and
early mornings for the last 5 years writing these
programs.  Second, to my 9-year-old adopted son who
provided the motivation for this software.  And, third,
to the unwed teenage girl who gave birth to our son then
gave him to us rather than choosing to terminate his
life.

I HAVE WORKED VERY HARD TO GET ALL THE BUGS OUT OF THIS
PROGRAM.  HOWEVER, I CAN NOT GUARANTEE THAT NONE EXISTS.
WHEN YOU USE THIS SOFTWARE YOU MUST DO IT AT YOUR OWN
RISK.  I ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR DAMAGE THAT MAY
OCCUR AS A RESULT OF ITS USE.

Dr. Andrew Motes
Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering
John Brown University

All rights reserved, 1992    MOTES EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE
                             PO BOX 575
                             Siloam Springs, AR  72761





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