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Using spreadsheets in chemical education to avoid symbolic mathematics.
Traditionally, quantum theory has traditionally relied heavily on the use of mathematics. However, there is a significant cohort of students who are weak in mathematics, for example, students who are majoring in biochemistry, biological sciences, etc. This paper reports on the use of spreadsheets to generate approximate numerical solutions and visual (graphical) descriptions as a method of avoiding or minimizing symbolic manipulations, mathematical derivations and numerical computation. A specific example from quantum theory is provided. Some aspects of educational pedagogy of spreadsheet usage are discussed.