Open Source Mathematica/Derive like program

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding open source or free alternatives to Mathematica and Derive, focusing on software capabilities for symbolic computation and specific mathematical problem-solving. Participants share recommendations and experiences with various programs, particularly Maxima, while also addressing the challenges of developing such software.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests recommendations for open source software similar to Derive or Mathematica, specifically for performing integrals.
  • Another participant suggests using Maxima, indicating it has been discussed previously in the forum.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the feasibility of developing free alternatives to complex software like Mathematica, citing the extensive resources required.
  • Maxima is praised by a participant for its intuitive commands and excellent help system, noting it meets their current needs.
  • A participant seeks assistance with solving a specific Diophantine equation using Maxima, indicating a lack of guidance in the software's help resources.
  • There is a discussion about the solutions to the Diophantine equation, with differing claims about the first pair of positive integer solutions.
  • One participant admits to misreading the equation, leading to confusion in their solution process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the utility of Maxima as a free alternative, but there is disagreement regarding the specific solutions to the Diophantine equation, and the discussion remains unresolved on the best approach to solve it using Maxima.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the capabilities of Maxima for specific types of equations, and there are unresolved aspects regarding the software's documentation and user support.

haki
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Hi, can anyone recommend me an open source or at least a free program similar to Derive or Mathematica? I did some searching on the web but didn't found anything useful. I would like a program in which I can enter

Integal[{x^2},x]; and then have the output of x^3/3

preferably something easy to use like Derive. Any pointers are welcome.
 
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Please use the search function -- we've answered this question over and over and over again. Look into Maxima.

- Warren
 
I doubt that you will find much. A program like Mathematica and Derive require one heck of a lot of work, typically by a large crew of programmers. I doubt they are going to do all that work for free.
 
HallsofIvy said:
I doubt that you will find much. A program like Mathematica and Derive require one heck of a lot of work, typically by a large crew of programmers. I doubt they are going to do all that work for free.

Eh? Are you unaware of programs like Maxima and Octave? They are extremely good free replacements for the commercial packages Mathematica and MATLAB.

- Warren
 
To see how this software that clearly does require "one heck of a lot of work" to develop can become GPL freeware take look at the brief but interesting wikipedia article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxima"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thank you very much for your replies.

Maxima rocks. I like it very much (commands and such, very intuitive) and the help system is excellent. For now it covers everything I need but there was one thing I couldn't find in maximas help.

I wanted to get the first pair of numbers (x,y) that are the solution to the following Diophantine equation 222x+255y=9 where y is the smallest possible positive intiger for the pair (x,y) to be the solution to the equation.
 
haki said:
Thank you very much for your replies.

Maxima rocks. I like it very much (commands and such, very intuitive) and the help system is excellent. For now it covers everything I need but there was one thing I couldn't find in maximas help.

I wanted to get the first pair of numbers (x,y) that are the solution to the following Diophantine equation 222x+255y=9 where y is the smallest possible positive intiger for the pair (x,y) to be the solution to the equation.

I don't know how to do that in Maxima, maybe someone else can help there, but that particular equation is very easy to solve by inspection. Soln : x=-3, y=3
 
uart said:
I don't know how to do that in Maxima, maybe someone else can help there, but that particular equation is very easy to solve by inspection. Soln : x=-3, y=3

I think that the pair (-8,7) that is x = -8, y = 7 is the first pair of solutions for which y is the smallest positive number. But anyway, that's a bit exotic problem to work on maxima.
 
  • #10
Doh, I misread the equation as 252x+255y=9.

I need to start wearing my glasses more often. :eek:
 
  • #11
Yeah, I hate the most when I do something like that on an exam, I am still angry for a week or two after the exam, since I have lost points not because of my inabilities to solve a problem.
 

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