Project Requirement Document (PRD) Project Name: MathFlow Solver (Advanced Web Calculator) Version: 1.0 Date: October 26, 2023 1. Executive Summary Objective: To develop a web-based mathematical calculation tool that goes beyond standard arithmetic. The system will solve algebra and calculus problems and provide step-by-step solutions for educational purposes. Target Audience: Students, educators, and engineering professionals. Primary Value Proposition: Combining computational power with educational transparency (showing steps). 2. Functional Requirements (What the system must do) 2.1 Core Calculation Engine The system must be able to parse and solve the following types of inputs: Arithmetic: Basic operations (+, -, *, /) with order of operations. Algebra: Solving for variables (e.g., 2x + 5 = 15), factoring polynomials, and expanding expressions. Calculus: Derivatives (e.g., d/dx (x^2)). Indefinite and Definite Integrals. 2.2 The "Step-by-Step" Feature Requirement: The system must not only output the final answer but also generate an intermediate view. Logic: Break down the solution into discrete steps (e.g., "Subtract 5 from both sides," "Divide by 2"). Monetization Logic: The solution will display the final answer for free. The detailed steps will be blurred or hidden until a "Premium" action is taken (or simply hidden if this is an internal tool). 2.3 Graphing & Visualization The system must generate a 2D plot for any single-variable function input. The user must be able to Zoom In, Zoom Out, and Pan across the graph. 2.4 Input & Output Formatting Input: Standard text input field (e.g., x^2). Output: Mathematical typesetting. The output must render using MathJax or KaTeX to look like professional textbook math (e.g., displaying ∫xdx rather than int x dx). 3. Non-Functional Requirements (How the system must behave) Performance: Calculations for standard equations must take less than 2 seconds to render. Responsiveness: The interface must be fully functional on Desktop (Web), Tablet, and Mobile devices. Error Handling: If a user inputs invalid syntax (e.g., 2++x), the system must display a friendly error message (e.g., "Syntax Error: Unexpected operator") instead of crashing or showing a blank screen. Dark Mode: The interface must support a Dark/Light mode toggle. 4. Technical Specifications (Tech Stack) Frontend Framework: React.js (ensures fast UI updates). Styling: Tailwind CSS (for rapid, responsive design). Math Rendering: KaTeX (faster loading than MathJax). Calculation Engine: Nerdamer (JavaScript-based) OR Python (SymPy) backend API. Decision Point: If using Python, a simple API wrapper (Flask/FastAPI) is required to connect the Frontend to the Math Engine. 5. User Experience (UX) Flow Landing: User sees a clean search bar (centered on screen, similar to Google). Input: User types solve(2x + 4 = 10). Processing: A loading spinner appears briefly. Result: Top card: Final Answer: x = 3. Middle card: 2D Graph showing the line intercepting the axis. Bottom card: "See Steps" button. Interaction: Clicking "See Steps" expands a list showing the algebraic manipulation. 6. Deliverables & Timeline Phase 1: MVP (Minimum Viable Product) Duration: 2 Weeks. Deliverables: Working calculator interface. Arithmetic and Algebra solving capabilities. Final answer display only (No steps yet). Phase 2: Advanced Features Duration: 2 Weeks. Deliverables: Calculus engine integration. Step-by-step logic implementation. Graphing module integration. 7. Budget Estimate (Optional / Placeholder) Development Cost: $[Insert Amount] (Based on hourly rates). Software/Licensing Costs: $0 (Using Open Source libraries).