#### bogosort

Joined Sep 24, 2011
469
Mathematica is much more than a word processor. It is a full-featured, programmable computer algebra system, with a plethora of numerical solvers, data visualization tools, and a bunch of other stuff. I purchased a discounted student version for less than $100 when I was in school. I don't remember how much of its functionality depended on Internet access. I definitely got the sense that I was using a tiny fraction of its capabilities, but I didn't use it much, as MATLAB ended up being more appropriate for the majority of my coursework. #### SamR Joined Mar 19, 2019 1,835 You may also want to look at Microsoft Mathematics and Wolfram/Alpha. Lots of free math apps these days... And then there is always the StackExchange forums. #### crutschow Joined Mar 14, 2008 24,403 Those that pay$200/year for it are likely the "nerds" that do a lot of very complex mathematical analysis and need all its high level features that are likely not all available in the free programs.
For those, the cost is likely paid for by their employers, just like other computer CAD programs are.