π§ Who Created MyOpenMath? (And Why It Still Matters Today)
Online platforms like ALEKS and WebAssign might get all the attention, but MyOpenMath is a powerhouse in its own right β especially for students in Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry courses.
But who actually built this thing?
π‘ Quick Answer: MyOpenMath was created by David Lippman, a community college math professor from Washington State, as an open-source alternative to expensive learning platforms.
This wasnβt some Silicon Valley tech startup or corporate textbook giant. It was grassroots. It was purpose-driven. And that origin story explains why the platform is so unique β and so frustrating for students.
π« Struggling with MyOpenMath Assignments?
2. Meet David Lippman: The Creator
Unlike most educational software created by corporations, MyOpenMath has its roots in community college education. Its creator, David Lippman, is a math professor at Everett Community College in Washington State.
Frustrated by expensive online homework platforms and limited access to learning tools, Lippman set out to build something better β a free, open-source alternative that gave both students and teachers more control.
Lippman didnβt set out to be a tech entrepreneur. He just wanted students to have access to better math tools without going into debt.
His passion project would eventually evolve into a widely used platform across colleges and high schools β not just in Washington, but across the U.S. and beyond.
3. The Birth of IMathAS
Before there was MyOpenMath, there was IMathAS β short for Internet Mathematics Assessment System. David Lippman began developing this platform around 2005 to power online homework, quizzes, and math assessments.
What made IMathAS stand out was its support for automatically graded math problems with symbolic math input β something most platforms at the time struggled with.
π» Did you know?
IMathAS is still the open-source engine that powers MyOpenMath today. Instructors can even install their own version.
The system was used internally at Everett Community College and in a few collaborative networks, but it wasnβt until a state-wide rollout in Washington that things really picked up steam…
4. From WAMAP to MyOpenMath
In Washington State, Lippmanβs IMathAS platform powered a site called WAMAP (Washington Mathematics Assessment and Placement), which provided free online math homework for students across the stateβs community college system.
WAMAP became the proof-of-concept for something bigger. It showed that an open-source, teacher-run platform could actually work β and work well β at scale.
WAMAP was local. But in 2011, Lippman and other contributors launched MyOpenMath.com as a national and international version of the same platform.
Since then, MyOpenMath has become a go-to solution for instructors who want freedom from corporate platforms β and a zero-cost option for students.
5. How MyOpenMath Grew Through OER
MyOpenMath didnβt grow in isolation. It was heavily supported by the rise of Open Educational Resources (OER) β free, openly licensed textbooks and course materials designed to replace expensive publisher content.
In Washington State, the Open Course Library project created full courses aligned with MyOpenMath assignments. These were distributed freely and adopted by instructors across the country.
π Example:
The open-source textbooks by Lippman and Mathias, like Precalculus: An Investigation of Functions, were designed specifically to integrate with MyOpenMath.
These integrations helped instructors build entire math courses β from homework to reading β without relying on Pearson, Cengage, or other commercial publishers.
6. What Makes MyOpenMath Unique
MyOpenMath isnβt just another learning platform β itβs fundamentally different in its structure, philosophy, and technical design.
- β 100% free for students β No access codes, no subscriptions, no hidden fees.
- π Open-source β Anyone can view, modify, or host the platform themselves.
- π§βπ« Instructor-driven β Built for educators, not for-profit publishers.
- βοΈ Fully customizable β Instructors can write their own problems and even control grading logic.
MyOpenMath gives educators total control β but that often means less polish, less support, and more student frustration.
Itβs a powerful tool β but one that often comes with a steep learning curve, especially for students who are new to digital math platforms.
7. Why Students Struggle With It
Despite its flexibility and affordability, MyOpenMath can be incredibly frustrating for students β especially compared to more polished commercial platforms like MyMathLab or WebAssign.
- β Rigid answer formatting β One small typo or format mistake can cost you points.
- β Lack of partial credit β Even multi-step problems are often graded all-or-nothing.
- β Minimal built-in instruction β Youβre expected to already know how to solve the problem.
- β Confusing interface β Many students report difficulty navigating the platform, especially on mobile.
For students juggling work, family, and deadlines, MyOpenMathβs lack of support can turn an already difficult course into a nightmare.
This is exactly why many students seek outside help β whether from tutors, forums, or professional services like Finish My Math Class.
8. Subjects MyOpenMath Covers
MyOpenMath is best known for its use in math-heavy subjects β and its open-source engine (IMathAS) makes it versatile enough to support a wide range of topics:
- π Algebra β Linear equations, factoring, rational expressions, etc.
- π Statistics β Descriptive stats, probability, regression, and more.
- π Geometry β Proofs, congruence, trigonometry, and spatial reasoning.
- β Precalculus & Calculus β Functions, limits, derivatives, and integrals.
- π§ Math for Liberal Arts β Logic, set theory, voting systems, and other non-STEM topics.
We specialize in MyOpenMath-based assignments. Start here:
Each instructor can customize their content, but these are the most commonly assigned subjects on the platform.
9. How Finish My Math Class Can Help
If MyOpenMath has you overwhelmed, youβre not alone. Thousands of students get stuck on confusing problems, harsh grading, and tight deadlines. Thatβs where Finish My Math Class comes in.
- π§βπ» We handle MyOpenMath assignments, quizzes, and even full courses.
- π Our experts guarantee A or B grades β or your money back.
- π Completely private, secure, and discreet.
- β±οΈ Fast turnaround for urgent deadlines.
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Whether youβre stuck on a single topic or need help with an entire class, weβre here to make MyOpenMath manageable β and stress-free.
10. FAQ: History and Use of MyOpenMath
Who created MyOpenMath?
MyOpenMath was created by David Lippman, a math professor at Everett Community College in Washington State. His goal was to provide an open-source, low-cost alternative to commercial platforms like MyMathLab and WebAssign. He developed the underlying engine, IMathAS, in the mid-2000s and later launched MyOpenMath as a public-facing service in 2011.
What is IMathAS?
IMathAS stands for Internet Mathematics Assessment System. It’s the open-source platform that powers MyOpenMath. It supports automatically graded questions with algebraic input, custom grading logic, and instructor-built assessments. Itβs also used in other implementations like WAMAP.org in Washington.
Is MyOpenMath really free?
Yes, MyOpenMath is completely free for students. There are no access codes, subscriptions, or hidden fees. It’s supported by community contributions, grant funding, and volunteer developers. Instructors can use it without needing to charge students, which is why itβs become popular at community colleges and OER-focused institutions.
When was MyOpenMath launched?
The public-facing MyOpenMath platform was launched in 2011, but itβs based on IMathAS, which dates back to around 2005. The earlier version was used in Washington Stateβs WAMAP.org before it was expanded nationally.
What subjects does MyOpenMath cover?
MyOpenMath is used primarily for quantitative courses, including:
- π Algebra
- π Geometry
- π Statistics
- π Precalculus & Calculus
- π§ Math for Liberal Arts
If you need help with any of these subjects, check out our pages for Algebra and Geometry support.
Why do students find MyOpenMath difficult?
Students often struggle with MyOpenMath due to its rigid formatting, lack of partial credit, and minimal instructional support. If you’re falling behind or stressed out, youβre not alone β thousands of students seek outside help. We can help.
Does MyOpenMath give partial credit?
Usually not. Unlike some commercial platforms that offer step-by-step grading, MyOpenMath often grades each question as all-or-nothing. That means a tiny mistake on a multi-part question could cost you the entire score. This is one of the biggest pain points for students.
Is MyOpenMath open source?
Yes. MyOpenMath is powered by the IMathAS system, which is fully open-source. Instructors, developers, and schools can download, modify, and even host their own version of the software. This flexibility is part of what makes the platform so appealing to educators.
Can instructors customize MyOpenMath?
Absolutely. Instructors can create their own problems, tweak grading logic, and even upload their own textbooks and course materials. This is a major advantage over locked-down corporate platforms like Pearsonβs MyMathLab.
Does MyOpenMath support other subjects besides math?
Primarily, no. While technically possible, the platform is optimized for mathematics and statistics. It lacks support for interactive simulations, diagrams, or lab tools required in many science and humanities courses.
What is WAMAP?
WAMAP stands for Washington Mathematics Assessment and Placement. Itβs a state-run version of IMathAS used throughout Washington community colleges. It helped prove the viability of the platform before MyOpenMath was launched nationally.
Can I pay someone to do my MyOpenMath homework?
Yes β and we do that every day. If you’re stuck, running out of time, or aiming for a guaranteed grade, weβve got experts ready to help. Check out our Contact or Pricing page to get started.
Does MyOpenMath track cheating or copy-paste?
MyOpenMath itself doesn’t include built-in plagiarism detection or proctoring features. However, instructors can use external proctoring tools or manual review to flag suspicious behavior. Always be cautious if youβre considering shortcuts β or use a service like ours that guarantees privacy and accuracy.
How does MyOpenMath compare to other platforms?
Compared to ALEKS, WebAssign, or MyMathLab, MyOpenMath is more customizable and free β but itβs also more clunky and less supportive for students. Itβs ideal for instructors who value control and affordability, but not always great for those trying to learn independently. If you’re struggling with the platform, we can help simplify things β start here.
Where can I get help with MyOpenMath?
Finish My Math Class offers expert help for any type of MyOpenMath assignment, quiz, or test. Whether youβre looking for one-time assistance or someone to handle the entire course, we offer 100% private, A-or-B-guaranteed help.
π Final Thoughts: MyOpenMath Doesnβt Have to Be This Hard
David Lippman built MyOpenMath to solve a real problem β making math education more accessible. And while the platform succeeds at that goal in many ways, itβs not always friendly to the students trying to pass their course under pressure.
If you’re struggling with the interface, the grading, or just donβt have time to figure it all out…
π Let Us Handle Your MyOpenMath Work
- β A-or-B grade guarantee
- β Fast turnaround on assignments & tests
- β 100% privacy β your professor will never know
Next Steps:
- π Browse Our Services
- π Check Our Pricing
- π Get a Quote Now