Compare Mathcad & Mathematica - Find Solutions for Diff Eqns

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around comparing Mathcad and Mathematica, particularly in their capabilities to solve differential equations, including ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and partial differential equations (PDEs). Participants explore the differences between the two software tools, their programming capabilities, and the types of solutions they can provide.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the differences between Mathcad and Mathematica, specifically regarding their ability to find general versus particular solutions to differential equations.
  • Another participant suggests that Mathematica (or Maple) is a superior tool for differential equations, providing links to documentation on its capabilities.
  • Some participants confirm that Mathematica can find general solutions for ODEs, but express uncertainty about its effectiveness with systems of ODEs and PDEs.
  • There is a mention that Mathematica is highly programmable, which could be beneficial for users familiar with programming languages like C++.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of numerical solutions, noting that many systems are unsolvable analytically and that effective software is essential for finding numerical solutions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Mathematica is a powerful tool for solving differential equations, but there is uncertainty regarding its capabilities with systems of equations and PDEs. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific advantages of each software tool.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations are noted, such as the uncertainty about Mathematica's performance with systems of ODEs and PDEs, and the distinction between analytical and numerical solutions is highlighted.

TheDestroyer
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Mathcad or Mathematica?

Hi guys, I already have MathCad 2003 Installed in my computer, should I get Mathematica? What's the difference?

Can Mathematica find general solution of a differential equations? Mathcad can find only particular ones,

Can Mathematica solve a system of linear or differential equations or partial differential equations?

Thanks, and please be specific in the answer about the difference, and if it does it need any programming, I know C++, can I work in it if it needs?
 
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If you're looking for a general top notch tool Mathematica (or Maple) is your choice, IMHO. With respect to differential eqs and Mathematica you can get a decent view here :

http://documents.wolfram.com/mathematica/Built-inFunctions/AdvancedDocumentation/DifferentialEquations/NDSolve/index.html

Mathematica is really programmable :

http://documents.wolfram.com/mathematica/Built-inFunctions/Programming/

I do quite a bit of my programming stuff with it nowadays, eases and makes development quite a bit faster.
 
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I know that Mathematica does find general solutions of ODEs, but I'm not sure about systems of ODEs and PDEs. It is very programmable, though.
 
Matlab
:biggrin:
 
gnome said:
Matlab
:biggrin:

:biggrin: :biggrin: Both !
 
Manchot said:
I know that Mathematica does find general solutions of ODEs, but I'm not sure about systems of ODEs and PDEs. It is very programmable, though.

It does work with systems, as far as I know with the same limitations it works with ODEs and PDEs.
 
Definitely numerical.I mean,most of the systems are unsolvable analytically,therefore numerical sollutions can be found.A smart software is all u need...

Daniel.
 
Thanks everybody for the information...
 

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