Magic Number

Previous Releases

2.5

B.E.S.T.

B is for Business

E is for Engineering

S is for Solver

A smarter solver.
And wiser algebraically.

Previously…

Magic Number can solve equations like 5x – 6 = 3x + 8

Behind the scene, it does a bit of elementary algebra:

5x – 6 = 3x + 8 → 5x – 3x = 6 + 8 → 2x = 14

…to get to a solvable form:

a x = b

However…

When you had something like 2 √ x = 14

The story was rather sad.

Now…

Our story has a happy ~~ending~~ beginning.

Magic Number can now handle:

a f(x) = b

(Provided f is invertible and a unique solution exists.)

It’s also better at algebra.
Few cases where it previously failed. For example:

Enough of the past.
Let’s enjoy the possibilities.

Quick Tour

We start with a trigonometry revision.

Using the law of sines:

Visiting Pythagoras:

You can also use the hypotenuse function ⊿ h (shortcut: H).

(And well done if you already know the adjacent function.)

Roots, power, and more.

N-th root:

Power:

More algebra awareness:

Logarithm:

Solving compound interest problems

In version 2.1, we have an easy convention for compound interest, where

means ‘2000 with 10% compounded 3 times’ (see here).

If compounding happens once a year,
how long does it take to reach 3000?

If we want 3000 in 3 years. What rate should we go for?

We hope you like the solver.
Algebra is more fun when you are doing it less. : )

T is for Time

2.1.4

Ready for Yosemite

More compatible

Bug fixes

2.1.1

More Polishing

Hidden Gems

Bug fixes

2.1

New Tricks

Compound interest — The easy way

Inverse transformation

Trigonometric reciprocal functions

Adjacent function

Easier radians with tau, τ

τ = 2 π

If we use τ for radians, we have a simple relationship:

1 τ radians = 1 revolution

It’s more intuitive to visualize.

And easier to see why sin τ/4 = 1.
We will let a great teacher do the talking.

The shortcut for τ is ⌥T (option-T).
Let’s give it a try:

Tip: press ⌥⌘R to switch between radians and degrees.

Magic Number’s fraction feature shows radians as a factor of π.

When you make τ the default:

You see radians with τ.

If you like, you can see decimal radians with τ.

Still hungry for more?
The Tau Manifesto will keep you satisfied.

Easier parentheses / brackets

2.0

Major Release

A new design

A new editor

An easy solver

Enhanced in every way

For a quick intro, watch this 1 minute video.