Practical Use of Mathcad®: Solving Mathematical Problems with a Computer Algebra System

This book, which is a rrMsion and extension of the original edition publi­ shed in 1996 (see [2D with the German title Mathematik mit MA'nfCAD (Mathematics Using MA'nfCAD), discusses the use of the program system MAlHCAD® to solve mathematical problems with computers. The book is based on the current MA'nfCAD Version 8 Professional for WINDOWS 95/98 (see [5D.
Whereas MAlHCAD and MATLAB (see [4D were originally conceived as purely systems for numerical mathematical calculations, the more recent versions of both products have licensed a minimum variant of the symbolic processor of the MAPLE computer algebra system for exact (symbolic) calcu­ lations. Thus, MAlHCAD has been developed to be an equal partner to the estab­ lished computer algebra systems AXIOM, DERIVE, MACSYMA, MAPLE, MA­ lHEMATICA, MuPAD and REDUCE. However, because these systems con­ tain numerical methods as well, they are no longer just pure computer alge­ bra systems. Consequently, MAlHCAD can also be deSignated as being a computer alge­ bra system (or just: system). MATHCAD possesses some advantages: • Better numerical capabilities more than compensate for the somewhat limited capabilities provided for exact (symbolic) calculations. • The calculations are performed in the MAlHCAD worksheet using the usual mathematical symbols (standard notation). • Thanks to the superior layout capabilities in the worksheet, MAlHCAD can be used to create treatises directly. • All calculations can be performed using units of measurement.