International Journal of Conceptions on Computing and Information Technology
Vol. 3, Issue. 3, October’ 2015; ISSN: 2345 - 9808
Algebraic expression solutionizer for Android
Diana L Diga, Arien G Gabayno, Emily L Bayhon, John Kevin B Aquino and Joyce Ann Z Cleofe
College of Computer Studies
New Era University
Philippines
{dianaldiga, emilybayhon28 and johnkevinaquinokhei}@gmail.com, [email protected] and [email protected]
topics. In other words, algebra is the beginning that improves
one’s skills to solve more complex problems [4].
Abstract— This study aims to create a system that will solve
algebraic expressions using the smartphone of the user.
Mathematics especially in the field of Algebra is a difficult
subject for many students. Many are suffering from having a
low grades and some are failing. This problem is commonly
encountered by high school students and college students. Some
are hiring a tutor for them to learn and some are enrolling in a
review school. With this problem, android phones will be very
useful. Today, out of 78% of teenagers who have mobile phones,
47% of them are using android phones. So, the researcher used
it as a tool for creating an application for students who are
willing to learn algebra. The good thing about the application is
it is consist of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) which
reads the expression being captured by the phone and will
recognize it as an input. Also the researcher provides data
gathering procedure such as evaluation and interview to provide
statistical analysis of the software. After the researcher
conducted the evaluation of the software to the respondents, the
statistical analysis of the application gives a WMA (Weighted
Mean Average) of 3.69 in terms of Reliability, Effectiveness,
Accuracy, Interactivity and Usability of software and that is
equivalent to excellent according to the 4-point scale. Finally the
researchers conclude that the proposed application can help
students learn mathematics and recommends it to teachers to
use as different method of approach in teaching.
Android phones may help students for this problem. An
android phone has an advance operating system and may act
like a computer. It is very useful to people especially students
because the things people do through their laptops; they can
also do it using their phones wherever they are. Students with
Android phones help them a lot especially when they are at
the school and need to research on something they need. Out
of 78% of teenagers who have mobile phones, 47% of them
are using Android phones. Android phones are very flexible
because it runs in every smartphones and tablets. Compared
to iOS, android is more efficient to use. You can even
personalize your own phone by the use of different
applications or widgets [5]. Unlike iOS, it sets limitations to
users; you can’t easily add applications to your phone or send
files to other phones. This is why the researchers chose to
used android OS in making the tutorial application. Android
applications are very useful for education purposes. There are
many applications supported by android like dictionary,
document reader (ppt, docx, etc), games or entertainment
which may be useful for students. By installing different
applications, a student can look for what he/she needs. They
can also write down their notes on their phones, review
through it, read ebooks, communicate to others using internet
or different applications, and look for updates and many more
[6]
. Therefore, the researcher will use android operating
system to make an application for students that may help
them learn on how to answer algebraic expressions.
Keywords- Android, Optical Character Recognition, mobile
application, algebraic expressions
I. INTRODUCTION
The logic of shapes, numbers, orders or arrangements are
related to mathematics. Mathematics is everything and is all
around us [1]. The simple things we do like counting our
allowance or checking the angle of a triangle is mathematics.
There are fields of mathematics and one is Algebra. In
college life, algebra is the first series of higher-level math
classes that students need to succeed [2]. Algebra is consists of
different patterns, problems or complicated formula that
includes any variable or letters. This is why most students
hate it, because it made them suffer from having lower grades
and others even fail. Many students are complaining why
they need to study complicated math when they don’t even
need it after they graduate. Engineering students need
mathematics; these are even their major subjects [3]. Learning
algebra is achievable for all; students must take things one at
a time and learn the basic math before moving to complicated
The good thing about the application is it is composed of
Optical Character Recognition (OCR). By using the user’s
android phone, he/she can just capture an algebraic
expression and it will instantly consider it as an input for the
application [7]. The said application has two options in order
to get the input, either the user will type it or just capture it
using his/her phone. An example of app that relevance to the
researchers’ study is the ‘PhotoMath’, it is an application that
solves algebraic expression including expressions with
fractions using the camera of an android phone and it will
instantly give the answer. It runs on both iOS and android. It
also shows the step-by-step procedure on how it came out
with the answer [8]. AES is as same as this but it comes with
additional features like plotting the graph and shows the
reason or theories on how it gets the final answer.
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International Journal of Conceptions on Computing and Information Technology
Vol. 3, Issue. 3, October’ 2015; ISSN: 2345 - 9808
Some students are using different methods to learn
algebra. There are some who even hire a tutorial teacher or
enter to a review center which requires money, time and
effort. With the help of AES, a student can help
himself/herself by solving algebraic expression and will also
serve as a tutorial for them without spending any money and
will not waste a lot of time and efforts. It will also benefit to
teachers by providing them another way of teaching and
future researchers which may encourage developing or
enhancing a more user-friendly, cheaper and better
application.
A.
in field of algebra or any related subjects may benefit
learning the subject by using the system.
The researchers believe that the proposed application
would be very beneficial to the following users:
1.
Students – This program can help students in learning
algebra and any related subjects. Students can use this
system as another guide in learning.
2.
Teachers – The program can help teachers in a way that
they can use the proposed software as a teaching medium
that can help their way of teaching. Teachers can also use
the system for checking of formula, instead checking
them manually.
3.
Future Researchers – This study may use as guide for
future studies.
Statement of the Problem
Specifically, the study was directed on the following
questions:
1. What are the designs considerations for the
Algebraic Expression Solutionizer for Android in terms of:
a.
Algorithm;
b.
Data structure;
c.
Architectural designs; and
d.
Application design?
II.
A. Related Literature
Goodrich et, al (2003) states that computers are essential
are essential for modern day commerce. They used to
perform most financial transactions & to facilitate a host of
different modes of communication including internet. In this
citation the computers are useful in performing transactions
or computations this is why the researchers proposed this
study in order for easier computation and learning algebra.
2. What are the hardware requirements in
implementing the Algebraic Expression Solutionizer for
Android?
3. What is the level of acceptability of the Algebraic
Expression Solutionizer for Android in terms of:
a.
Reliability;
b.
Effectiveness;
c.
Accuracy;
d.
Interactivity; and
e.
Usability
B.
Goals and Objective of the Study
REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE
Cruz (2007) wrote that the primarily objective using in a
computer is to save time and get accurate results. What the
software can do in a few minutes might take hours or days to
solve using minimal calculations. The time saved mean
saving cost and effort.
In an article by Castro (2005), he said that the pace of the
development of information and communication technology
(ICT) is so fast that even field of education has do a lot of
catching up. In this citation by the author, he said that
information and communication technology is rapidly
developing, that education must also be developed. This is a
reason why education must be applied with technology such
as E-learning, so that it won’t get left behind. With the help
of technology, education will be better and will continue to
developed to catch up to technology’s pace.
The main concern of the study is to create a basic
tutorial application for Android phones called ‘Algebraic
Expression Solutionizer (AES) for Android’ that would help
anyone in learning to solve algebraic expressions. The
proposed application will let the user input the expression and
the application will provide a step-by-step solution and apply
some basic explanation/reasons on theorems, laws and
postulates of mathematics. It is also capable of plotting a
linear equation (standard form) into a graph. The application
is consists of basic operation signs of algebra; the arithmetic
symbols (addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*) and
division (/)) and the different laws of polynomial arithmetic.
The application cannot handle inner parenthesis and cannot
solve algebraic expression with fractions.
Aggarwal et, al (2005) states that software engineering
has the objective of solving problems by producing good
quality maintainable software, on-time, within budget. This
statement makes the researcher consider other software
engineering techniques in developing the proposed software.
Cortez (2005) cites that the effectiveness in using
computer software provided by the teacher in motivating the
students for their studies and have results in academic
excellence. The researchers has the same idea, the researcher
proposed a software that will try to teach algebra by means of
simulation, which will be most helpful for teacher as their
medium for teaching.
C. Significance of the Study
The proposed simulation system will be very essential in
learning purposes. Anyone studying Mathematics especially
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International Journal of Conceptions on Computing and Information Technology
Vol. 3, Issue. 3, October’ 2015; ISSN: 2345 - 9808
The relevance of the previous literature with the present
study is that computer programs are usually useful in
applying to learning; the previous studies proved that
computers are essential and significant in the improvements
of education. With the use of current technology and
implementing OCR to mobile phones the researcher proposed
a mobile application that will simulate algebraic expressions
in the user’s smartphone.
B. Software Design
The software design of AES (“Figure 3”) shows the
software design of Algebraic Expression solutionizer. The
researchers used the VTOC to visualize and to locate
different modules that are being used within the system. It
shows the different task that the system will implement once
the user decide on what task he selects.
B. Conceptual Framework
Figure 1. Conceptual Framework for Algebraic Expression Solutionizer for
Android
The proposed application tool demonstrates the use of
Android phone (“Figure 1”). The user will serve as input for
the application. The android phone which consist the installed
application will serve as a tool for the processing of operations
needed to compute for the input and generate for the output.
The first process is for the user to input algebraic expression,
either to type it or capture it using the phone’s camera; the
application will recognize the input of the user by the use of
lexical analyzer and will determine a way to compute the
problem. The application will run on the android phone will
then display the step-by-step solution until it gets the final
answer.
Figure 3 VTOC Design of A.E.S.
C.
Data Gathering Techniques
The researcher used evaluation form as the data
gathering instruments. The researcher also observed how the
manual system operates in order to know the needs the needs
in developing the proposed software.
III. METHODS
In this part, the researcher discuss about the methods of
research used in developing the software.

Evaluation Form. Is the systematic collection and
analysis of data needed to make decisions, a process in
which most well-run programs engage from the outset.

Interview Guide. In an interview, a respondent is asked
to provide information in the form of facts, attitudes,
opinions and intentions without asking any benefit from
the interviewer.
A. Software Development Procedure
D. Statistical Treatment of Data
The researcher use different statistical tools in order to
determine and evaluate the software.
Figure 2 Prototyping Model Procedure
44

Frequency Distribution. The purpose of frequency
distribution is to summarize and organize a set of data in
order to get the total respondents in a particular item [7].

Weighted Mean. Is used to aggregate a set of scores to a
International Journal of Conceptions on Computing and Information Technology
Vol. 3, Issue. 3, October’ 2015; ISSN: 2345 - 9808
single resultant score. The researcher uses this by getting
the average of the respondents [10].
of the input string so that the program can categorize the
characters. After grouping, it will call the methods according
to math hierarchy which are parenthesis, exponent,
multiplication/division, and addition/subtraction. Then the
last group tends to solve each function and sets the indexing
of ArrayList. Repeat steps 2-4 until such a time that the index
value of the ArrayList container is one or if input expression
is at its simplest form.
Where: WM= is the weighted mean
f= frequency of rating in which given criteria
N= total number of respondents

4-Point Scale. An ordered one-dimensional scale from
which respondents choose one option that best aligns
with their view. A common form is an assertion, with
which the person may agree or disagree from varying
degrees. In scoring, numbers are usually assigned to each
options (such as 1 to 4) (“Table. 1”).
Table 1 4-Point Scale
4-Point Scale
RATE
SCALE
DESCRIPTION
1
1.00-1.49
Poor
2
1.50-2.49
Fair
3
2.50-3.49
Very Good
4
3.50-4.00
Excellent
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
After gathering all materials and reviewing all of the
literature, the researchers produce an output that will be
discussed in this chapter. Also all statistical results regarding
in the proposed software will be discussed.
Figure 4 divide and conquer algorithm
2.2 Data Structure. Data structure is important since it
dictates the types of operations we can perform on the data
and efficiently they can be carried out.
A. The input variables used in Algebraic expression
Solutionizer for Android.
There is only one input variable that is used in this study,
it is Stringinput. StringInput contains any combination of
numbers, operators like addition, subtraction, multiplication,
division and exponentiation, letters and algebraic symbols
like parenthesis that is used to distinguish the first input to
solve.

B. Design Consideration for the Algebraic Expression
Solutionizer for Android
The following are design considerations that are needed
on building the Algebraic Expression Solutionizer:
ArrayList - The researchers used a one-dimensional
array list or dynamic array; it is an array whose size can
be determined at run time. In addition, it is also possible
to change the size of a dynamic array at a run time,
giving you basically the best of both worlds: the
expandability features of the linked list, and ease of use
of an array. The researchers used for-loop which tends to
manipulate the elements of the array list, either removing
elements from the container or inserting elements with
elements.
2.3 Architectural Design. The researcher used Use Case
Diagram, Activity Diagram, and Class Diagram in modeling
the architectural design of Algebraic Expression Solutionizer
for Android to fully understand the behavior and define the
function of the proposed system.
2.1 Algorithm. The figure (“Figure 4”) shows the
implementation of divide and conquer algorithm design in
Algebraic Expression Solutionizer for Android. It is a
technique for organizing and coding programs in which a
hierarchy of modules is used and breaking the specification
down into simpler pieces.The first step based on the figure is
to group the input expressions by determining the variables
and operators. Second, it will group or tokenize the characters
2.4 Software Design. With the use of VTOC (Visual
table of Contents), users are able to visualize how the system
will operate, what the application will operate and how the
system will be implemented (“Figure 3”). With the OCR
(Optical Character Recognition), user can either capture the
input or just type it.
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International Journal of Conceptions on Computing and Information Technology
Vol. 3, Issue. 3, October’ 2015; ISSN: 2345 - 9808
V. CONCLUSION
Based on the analysis of summary of findings, the
following conclusions are formulated:
C. System Requirement in implementing “Algebraic
Expression Solutionizer for Android”
Table 2 system requirements of AES
Features
Minimum
Recommended
Phone Memory
100KB of space
130KB of space
RAM
8MB of space
12MB of space
OS Platform
Android Ice
Cream Sandwich
(4.0)
Android Jelly
Bean (4.1) or
higher
System requirements are essential in operating or
running the Algebraic Expression Solutionizer for Android
(“Table 2”). These requirements must be met to gain a better
experience the proposed application’s usability. Unable to
meet the system requirements may greatly affect the response
time of the proposed application.
1.
The input from the user is important in the application in
order to run effectively.
2.
In order to design the application, the researchers used
algorithm, data structure, architectural design and
software design. These are also used in developing the
internal and external designs of the application.
3.
In order for the application to run properly, it must first
meet the recommended system requirements.
The overall evaluation of the developed application is
rated 3.69 which is excellent. In other words, the application is
very helpful tool in learning algebra.
VI. CONCLUSION
Based from the summary of findings and conclusions,
hereunder are the recommendations of the proponents for the
future researchers:
D. The level of acceptability of the “Algebraic Expression
Solutionizer for Android”
The researcher creates tables for the input variables and
figures for the interpretation and presentation of data based
on the software.
1.
2.
Table 3 Evaluation and Result of the Software
RESPONDENTS’
3.
TOTAL EVALUATION
4.
CRITERIA
FOR A.E.S.
AVERAGE
Algebraic Expression Solutionizer for Android is
intended for tutorials to students who are willing to learn
algebra.
Users who are searching for application that will help
them enhance their knowledge about algebra.
Teachers who want to try a different method of approach
in teaching
Future researchers who are willing to enhance the
application for a better one.
RATE
Reliability
3.65
Excellent
Effectiveness
3.72
Excellent
Accuracy
3.77
Excellent
Interactivity
3.57
Excellent
Usability
3.75
Excellent
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[1]
Hom, E. (2013). Retrieved from What is
http://www.livescience.com/38936-mathematics.html
[2]
Greg. (2007). Retrieved from Why is Algebra so Important?:
http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/why-algebra/
Arente, E. J. (2009). Computer Based Solving of 2
Dimensional and Graphical Form of Linear Equation.
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http://www.mathgoodies.com/articles/whylearnalgebra.htmll
(n.d.).
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Anroid
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iOS:
http://www.diffen.com/difference/Android_vs_Ios
Leyden, A. (2015). Retrieved from 40 uses for Smartphones in
school:
http://www.examtime.com/blog/40-uses-forsmartphones-in-school/
(n.d.). Retrieved from What is OCR and OCR Technology:
http://www.abbtt.com/finereader/about-ocr/what-is-ocr
(n.d.).
Retrieved
from
PhotoMath:
http://www.microsoft.com/enus/store/apps/ptotomath/9wzdncrds319
Imdadullah,
M.
(2009)"Frequency
Distribution".
http://itfeature.com/statistics/frequency-distribution-table.
itfeature.com.
James, Frederick (2006). Statistical Methods in Experimental
Physics (2nd ed.). Singapore: World Scientific. p. 324. ISBN
981-270-527-9.
[3]
[4]
[5]
The table (“Table. 3”) shows the result of the evaluation
to the respondents. The Weighted Mean and the summary of
the respondents’ evaluation on the level of acceptability of
the system based o the Reliability, Effectiveness, Accuracy,
Interactivity and Usability of the proposed system. Based on
the evaluation of 40 respondents, the overall terms of AES
for android’s Reliability was 3.65, Effectiveness got 3.72,
Accuracy got 3.77, Interactivity got 3.57 and lastly, Usability
got 3.75.
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
The overall evaluation of the application in terms of
reliability, effectiveness, accuracy, interactivity and usability
is “Excellent” with the total weighted mean of 3.69.
[10]
46
Mathematics: