In symbolic computation on computers, also known as computer algebra, keyboard and display replace the traditional pencil and paper in doing mathematical computations. Interactive computer programs, which are called computer algebra systems, allow their users to compute not only with numbers, but also with symbols, formulae, equations, and so on. Many mathematical computations such as differentiation, integration, and series expansion of functions, and inversion of matrices with symbolic entries, can be carried out quickly, with emphasis on exactness of results, and without much human effort. Computer algebra systems are powerful tools for mathematicians, physicists, chemists, engineers, technicians, psychologists, sociologists, ... , in short, for anybody who needs to do mathematical computations. Com puter algebra systems are indispensable in modern pure and applied scien tific research and education. This book is a gentle introduction to one of the modern computer algebra systems, viz., Maple. Primary emphasis is on learning what can be done with Maple and how it can be used to solve (applied) mathematical problems. To this end, the book contains many examples and exercises, both elementary and more sophisticated. They stimulate you to use Maple and encourage you to find your way through the system. An advice: read this book in conjunction with the Maple system, try the examples, make variations of them, and try to solve the exercises.
"I warmly recommend this book to everybody who honestly wants to use MAPLE." Wolfram Koepf, Konrad-Zuse-Zentrum Berlin
Third Edition
A. Heck
Introduction to Maple
"This is a fully revised edition of the best-selling Introduction to Maple. The book presents the modern computer algebra system, Maple, teaching the reader not only what can be done by Maple, but also how and why it can be done. The book also provides the necessary background for those who want the most of Maple or want to extend this built-in knowledge. Emphasis is on understanding the Maple system more than on factual knowledge of built-on possibilities. To this end, the book contains both elementary and more sophisticated examples as well as many exercises. The typical reader should have a background in mathematics at the intermediate level."―L'ENSEIGNEMENT MATHEMATIQUE
From the reviews of the third edition:
"This is a new edition of a well-established, by now standard book on one of the most prominent computer algebra systems. The text of this edition is not only updated to go with Maple revisions and new packages: it also includes new mathematical topics ... . The book can be highly recommended as a text for a twofold purpose. While presenting a thorough introduction to the use of Maple one also learns about fundamental principles of computer algebra." (G. Hörmann, Monatshefte für Mathematik, Vol. 145 (4), 2005)
"This is the third edition of the best-selling Introduction to Maple by André Heck. ... There is quite a host of examples from various fields ... . each chapter is rounded off by numerous exercises to be solved by the reader. A list of relevant references is given at the end of the book. The book can be recommended to readers who intend to learn Maple from scratch. But at the same time it is also a good reference for skilled Maple users." (A. Gfrerrer, Internationale Mathematische Nachrichten, Issue 196, 2004)
"The fully revised third edition of the book presents the modern computer algebra system Maple ... . The book also provides the necessary background for those who want the most of Maple or want to extend its built-in knowledge. Emphasis is on understanding the Maple system more than on factual knowledge of built-in possibilities. To this end, the book contains both elementary and more sophisticated exercises as well as many exercises." (Zentralblatt für Didaktik der Mathematik, September, 2003)
"This is the third edition of the book on one of the most powerful computer algebra system, viz., Maple. ... Many of the Maple sessions have been rewritten so that they comply with the recent version of Maple. This is useful book for all users of Maple." (T.C. Mohan, Zentralblatt MATH, Issue 1020, 2003)
