The Math Nspired series of curriculum supplements currently include Algebra Nspired and Geometry Nspired. The supplements grew from research on the “tough to
teach/tough to learn” topics, which our item analysis of state tests showed to be common points of difficulty for many students. To determine the underlying reasons for
the difficulty, we consulted the research on the reasons why students struggle with key concepts in Algebra and Geometry.

All modern mathematics learning materials build on the insight that students learn more when mathematical concepts are represented in multiple ways. Technology can go beyond what is possible in books by allowing students to directly interact with different representations, including graphs, tables, algebraic expressions, and geometric figures. Research has found strong evidence that appropriate classroom use of graphing calculators increases students’ ability to understand concepts and solve problems (Ellington, 2003). Yet graphing calculators can vary in the quality of the representations they provide. Three key features distinguish TI-Nspire technology from its predecessors:
- Clearer Expression. TI-Nspire technology displays higher quality graphs and presents mathematical expressions as textbooks do (e.g., 231x rather than 1/3 x^2).
-Grab-and-Move. This feature allows students to change a line, curve or location of axis, and observe the impact of changes and mathematical relationships.
-Multiple Representations on the Same Screen. TI-Nspire technology displays up to four representations—algebraic, graphical, geometric, numeric and written—on the same screen. These representations can be dynamically linked, so that changes made to one representation of a concept are automatically reflected in others instantly. Changes can be viewed simultaneously across multiple representations.