Getting Started with Maple

 

Topic Overview:
f:=
f:= x ->
restart;
x := 'x';
solve
fsolve
;
:
   
%
?

FUNCTIONS

  f:= <expression>  
  Description: Assignments always use the symbol := (no space in between the colon and equal symbol). Once f is assigned, it will carry that value until you change it. It is like storing a value in a calculator which you can use repeatedly.
  Example: Think of this as p = x^2 +2x -3. This example is to show you that the 'f :=' is equivallent to using 'p :='. We are just assigning this function to a variable. This variable can be anything that has not been assigned yet. After setting this equation to the variable, we can use the variable later on instead of typing the entire equation again. Its like storing something to a variable in a calculator.
 

> p := x^2 + 2*x - 3;

[Maple Math]


  f:= x -> <expression involving x>  
  Description: Creates a function f which depends on a single variable x.
  Example: Think of this as saying f(x) = x^2 - 4x - 7 NOT f = x^2 - 4x -7. This allows function evaluation.
 

> f := x -> x^2 - 4*x - 7;

[Maple Math]


  restart;  
  Description: The restart command will cause the Maple kernel to clear its internal memory so that it acts as if you had just started Maple. The settings of all identifiers (variables and procedures) will be forgotten.

  x := 'x';  
  Description: This will clear out any pre-existing value set to X.

SOLVING A FUNCTION

  solve  
  Description: Used to solve equations algebraically.
  Example: First we assign our expression of F(x). Then we can use the solve command to find the critical point. This equation we are solving for is f(x) equal to zero for the variable x.
 

> f := x -> x^2 - 4*x - 7;

[Maple Math]

> solve(f(x)=0,x);

[Maple Math]


  fsolve  
  Description: Used to solve equations in decimal form.
  Example: First we assign our expression of F(x). Then we can use the solve command to find the critical point. This equation we are solving for is f(x) equal to zero for the variable x.
 

> f := x -> x^2 - 4*x - 7;

[Maple Math]

> fsolve(f(x)=0,x);

[Maple Math]


GENERAL COMMANDS

  ;  
  Description: When you are done typing a command, you MUST type a semicolon ;
This tells the computer you are done with that command and prints the response..

  :  
  Description: This tells the computer you are done with that command and does not print the response..

  %  
  Description: This allows you to 'factor' the previous definition you have made.
  Example:
 

> p := x^2 + 2*x - 3;

[Maple Math]

> factor(%);

[Maple Math]


MAPLE HELP

  ?  
  Description: You can get help on most topics by typing ? followed by the name of the topic (be sure to end with a semicolon).
  Example: This would yeild a complete description with examples of how to properly use fsolve.
  > ?fsolve;