# Which software for math major?

1. Jan 11, 2010

### nickto21

Hey All,
Is there a software package that shows a step by step how it solved a problem? I've looked into Maple, and I think that Maple does this, but not sure.

I'm looking for software that will help me learn calculus, analysis, linear and abstract algebra.

Also, does anyone know about the add-on packages for maple Student edition? From what I need to learn from above, do I need to get the engineering package? Mostly I'm wondering if I can do all the maths with just the basic edition, and if so, what's different between the standard and add-on packages, like the engineering bundle?
Steve

Also, can these software packages do statistics?

Last edited: Jan 11, 2010
2. Jan 12, 2010

### bobm

There may be software that does that, but there's a free website that does it too -- Wolfram|Alpha. Here's an example of what it does with $$\int {{x^2}{{\sin }^3}(x)dx}$$: http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=integrate+x^2+sin^3+x+dx (notice the "show steps" link in the upper-right of the first section?)

The Wolfram|Alpha input syntax isn't real difficult to learn, but if you already have MathType, version 6.6 has a "View in Wolfram|Alpha" command that will open it up directly in W|A without you having to type anything.