Can someone recommend a good computer program?

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A user is seeking a computer program capable of performing symbolic algebraic calculations, specifically for multiplying complex matrices. They provide an example involving an SU(2) matrix and a summation with Pauli spin matrices, expressing a desire for software that simplifies such calculations. The user mentions a lack of interest in performing the calculations manually and is looking for recommendations. Maxima is suggested as a free software option for these types of algebraic tasks. The discussion emphasizes the need for accessible tools for symbolic computation.
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I'm looking for a computer program that can do symbolical (i.e. not numerical) algebraic calculations. It doesn't have to do anything absurdly complicated, but it has to be able to multiply complex matrices. For example if I know that an arbitrary SU(2) matrix \lambda can be expressed as

\lambda=\begin{pmatrix}a& b\\ -b^*& a^*\end{pmatrix}

then what is

\sum_{i=1}^3 x^i \lambda\sigma_i\lambda^\dagger

where the \sigma_i are the Pauli spin matrices? I came across this expression the other day, and I decided that I don't care enough about the result to do the calculation explicitly. :smile: I also thought that there must be some kind of software that makes this sort of thing easy.

So...can someone recommend a program that can do this sort of thing?
 
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