What is the colour of mathematics? The math-phobes amongst you would probably say black or red! But the creator of this week?s site preferred purple (read the ?about? link on the homepage to know why it?s purple), and so named it www.purplemath.com. Purple math was developed by Elizabeth Stapel, a teacher at Western International University, USA.

It is written in a light-hearted vein that all of you will enjoy. It is a great resource for teachers and students looking for help in algebra. In fact, the site is dedicated to algebra offering a host of lessons on topics ranging from beginners to advanced level.

As the name suggests, the theme colour of the site is purple! The font used is easy on the eye and the adequate white spaces give it an uncluttered look. The content is divided into three sections that are available as text links on the main page. Each connects back to the homepage and there is also a search feature.

The lessons can be easily incorporated into classroom instruction by the teacher or used by the student who needs a little extra help. As you enter the lessons page link displayed on the homepage, you?ll see that the lessons are divided according to preliminary, beginners? and advanced levels. The wide range of topics includes everything from absolute value to quadratic equations and binomial theorem. Every page also has the search option which enables you to search for a particular topic.

You will also find a link to the list of reviewed Internet links, on the homepage, that are arranged by category, a list of homework guidelines for mathematics and a self-survey of math study skills.

This is an interesting site, people. It might give you some much-needed help before you plunge into your board exams. All the best!

Abhinay Dey

abhinay@abpmail.com