Get Help with Mathematica | Learn to Solve Equations Efficiently

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the capabilities of Mathematica in solving equations and whether it can display the entire process of solving, rather than just the final result. Participants explore the limitations of Mathematica in this context and consider alternative approaches to understanding the solution process.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance in finding a command in Mathematica that shows the entire process of solving equations, not just the final answer.
  • Another participant requests clarification on the initial inquiry to better understand the needs.
  • A participant provides an example of how they wish to see the solution process laid out step-by-step.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the feasibility of Mathematica showing each step due to the complexity of its calculations.
  • It is noted that Mathematica is not designed to display intermediate results, and its symbolic manipulation system can be conceptually complex.
  • One participant suggests that users may need to perform intermediate steps manually, using traditional methods like pencil and paper.
  • There are mentions of other tutoring systems that can show intermediate steps, but these are limited to specific problem types.
  • Some participants argue that Mathematica and similar programs are better suited for checking results rather than providing detailed procedural outputs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Mathematica does not provide intermediate steps in its solutions, but there is disagreement on whether this is a significant limitation and whether alternative software can fulfill this need.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the limitations of Mathematica in showing detailed solution processes and the complexity of its symbolic manipulation capabilities. There is also a recognition that some alternative systems may only address a subset of problems.

toni123
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Is there anybody who can help me about Mathematica?
I just bought it and i can't find command so i could see whole process of solving not just result.
For example: a^2+b^2=c^2
?
?
?
a=
b=
thanks
 
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Can you please explain what you want in more detail?
 
I want to see whole process how it came to the result
It always gives me only result but i don't know how did it get it
 
Example:
5+x=8
x=8-5
x=3
I won't to see it like this
and not like this
5+x=8
x=3
 
Er... Why?

Either way, most calculations in Mathematica are quite complex, so I doubt there'd be a way to convince it to show each step.

--J
 
Because of that they are complex i need each step
 
Mathmatica is not set up to show intermediate results in that way. And in fact, some of the ways that it solves even simple problems are conceptually very complex, due to the way that the symbolic manipulation system is programmed.
 
James R said:
Mathmatica is not set up to show intermediate results in that way. And in fact, some of the ways that it solves even simple problems are conceptually very complex, due to the way that the symbolic manipulation system is programmed.

That's right. All it's ever going to give you is the answer and just that.
 
Is there any other program which can do that ??
 
  • #10
Unfortunately, you'll have to do the intermediate steps on your own by hand with pencil and paper.

--J
 
  • #11
Justin Lazear said:
Unfortunately, you'll have to do the intermediate steps on your own by hand with pencil and paper.

Now, isn't that more fun than having a computer do it for you?
 
  • #12
There are some tutoring systems for math that show the intermediate steps, but only for a some limited number of "problem shemes".

Instead of going over the trouble (and expense) of buying such programs and learning how to properly use them, you may be much better off just doing the calculations yourself.

Programs like Mathematica and Maple are useful to check intermediate steps when you already know which to do. For instance, if you need to multiply two big polynomials as part of the solution for a problem, you may want to check your result before proceeding further. Mathematica will not show the procedure for the multiplication, but it will give you the correct result for that kind of tedious operation.
 

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