GeoGebra is just now released in version 4.4 (4.4.0). A new version, which offers many new opportunities. I have previously reviewed the beta version, but a lot has happened since then, so I want to review the new and final version here.

First impressions

One thing, that first catches the eye, is, that the new version has got a layout overhaul. A few adjustments, which, however, create a sharper and clearer visual expression.

Layout and design changes

Name Changes

There are new names for the following tools:

Segment between 2 points now is named segment.
Segment through 2 points now is named line.
Half-Line from point through point now is named ray.
Intersect between 2 points now is named Intersect.
Vector between 2 points now is named Vector.

Design

There has also been changed a little in the design, as the standard-sliders for example is changed to look like this .

A bit more plump expression, which makes sense, when working on the iPad, the sliders have had a tendency to be too small, which had the side effect, that it's was a little harder to work with applets, who used sliders .

The same "chubby" expression is true for buttons, checkboxes, polygons and charts. By default, now the names of both edges and sides of polygons appear..

 

Other news

• Automatic creation of sliders, when fx type y = a * x b in the input field.
  
• Variables are now “highlightet” in the input field and in CAS-window.
• Quotation marks changed from ” to “ or ”.

 

Program Changes

Log in or create an account directly from within the program

There's a login button at the top right, where it is possible to login or create an account to geogebratube.

 

 

 

It is a stroke of genius, which will boost GeoGebras vision to share / store your files online at geogebratube.org. It will facilitate the registration of GeoGebraTube, which until today to say the least has been challenging. Thus one can hope for, several teachers and students now begin to share their applets online.

 

The next step will be to try to ensure the quality of the content, coming on geogebratube.org.

 

New and faster CAS program code

One of the really big news, if it is not - the news -, is, that GeoGebra now uses code from freeware program Giac / Xcas. That means, that while at first glance you do not see any immediate difference in terms of visuals, then CAS portion still got a big boost in code-front. CAS-delen i version 4.2 seems to work fine, but is not quite the major rush, as you might have imagined or hoped for. This, the new code could fix. The new code solves some of the challenges, as there has been with the CAS portion in version 4.2.

With the code from Giac / XCASE:

• is the CAS portion become faster laaaangt. This can be seen by doing quite simple calculations, where 2x ² 4 x 2 shall be factorized using. to 2(x + 1)². This simple calculation GeoGebra makes 4.4 less time (calculation actually made immediately – unlike version 4.2).
• can be made even more difficult calculations.
• is there or will there now making 2D/3D-beregninger with illustrations.

The big question will be, how much GeoGebra will benefit from the new opportunities. It will be certainly interesting.

New commands and tools in the CAS portion

Commands are translated into Danish. However, I have let the English explanation stand. (It will be changed)

CIFaktoriser[ <Expressions> ] 
CIFaktoriser[ <Expressions>, <Variable> ]

 

Factor of the complex irrationals, eg CIFaktoriser[x ^ 2 x 1]

IFaktoriser[ <Expressions> ]
IFaktoriser[ <Expressions>, <Variable> ]

Factor over the irrationals, oak ifactor[x ^ 2 x-1]

Polynomium[ <Function> ]

Expands the function and writes it as a polynomial in x (grouping the coefficients)

Polynomium[ <Function>, <Variable> ]

Expands the function and writes it as a polynomial in the variable (grouping the coefficients)

Function Inspector and probability calculator will now appear also in CAS-window.

New commands

Commands are translated into Danish. The 2 functions below about, that GeoGebra will be able to find intersections of polynomial curves (can be seen in the picture below).

Skæring[ < Object >, < Object > ]

For more intersections of polynomial curves.

Skæring[ <Kurve 1>, <Kurve 2>, <Parameter 1>, <Parameter 2> ]

Do the intersection of polynomial curves through an iterative (by repeating) method starting at the given parameters.

Others

KørKlikScript[ <Object> ]
KørOpdaterScript[ <Object> ]
NBeregnODE[ <List of derivative>, <Initial x-koordinat>, <Liste af Initiale y-koordinater>, <Finally, the x-coordinate> ]

 

Chrome App & HTML5

GeoGebra can be installed as an app in Chrome browser. The app will be installed by searching the Chrome web shop HERE.

The new thing in the app and HTML5 version:

• Works now offline
• Drawing pad 2 works and can be reorganized by dragging the title, as known from program.
• CAS works (to be confirmed)
• Design description works (to be confirmed)
• Object settings works (to be confirmed)
• Navigation Bar works

Updates

Program (Windows) now updates itself, mens Mac-versionen opdateres ‘via Mac App’-Butikken.

 

Shortcut to the full release note

http://wiki.geogebra.org/en/Release_Notes_GeoGebra_4.4