Designing a Solver for Arithmetic Constraints to Support Education in Mathematics

Abstract

Abstract. We present a conditional rewrite system for arithmetic and membership univariate constraints over real numbers, designed for computer assisted learning (CAL) in elementary math. Two fundamental principles guided the design of the proposed rewrite rules: cognitive fidelity (emulating steps students should take) and correctnesSf aiming that step-by-step solutions to problems look like ones carried out by students. In order to gain more flexibility to modify rules, add new ones and customize solvers, the rules are written in a specification language and then compiled to Prolog. The rewrite system is complete for a relevant subset of problems found in high-school math textbooks.