Re: Maths software

On Sat, 17 Sep 2005 20:48:05 +0100, "Rod"
<Rodney.Marriott@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>I have had a look at a maths package called Derive, on the net and wondered
>if anyone has any experience or views of it.
>I wanted it to give me a better understanding of functions etc.

That and other symbolic math programs such as Maple, Mupad, and so on
will be useful tools, but are not teaching tools in the sense you seem
to imply here, and "functions etc." covers a lot of territory. That
is, Derive will not be a teaching tutorial, but will certainly
demonstrate whatever you might be studying further through your
studies, texts, or tutorials otherwise available. As a tool, it will
be helpful only in the manner of use. A fine hammer and well
balanced, sharp chisel does not make a cabinetmaker.

Mupad is a powerful program, and has an academic version available not
so costly if that is a factor.

.