Getting started with KAlgebra

KAlgebra is a calculator with symbolic and analysis features that lets you plot 2D and 3D functions as well as to easily calculate mathematical expressions.

The Console Tab

When you first open KAlgebra a blank window shows up, this is the main work area for calculus.

Let's get started with a little example of how KAlgebra works, just type:

2+2

Then type Return and KAlgebra will show you the result. So far it's easy. However, KAlgebra is much more powerful than that, it started as a simple calculator, but now it's almost a CAS. You can define variables this way:

k:=3

And use them normally:

k*4

And that will give you the result: 12 You can also define functions:

f:=x->x^2

And then use them:

f(3)

Which should return 9. You can define a function with as many variables as you want:

g:=(x,y)->x*y

The possibilities of defining functions are endless if you combine this withe the piecewise. Let's define the factor function:

fact:=n->piecewise { n=0 ? 1, n=1 ? 1, ? n*fact(n-1) }

Yes! KAlgebra supports recursive functions. Give some values to n, to test it.

fact(5)

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fact(3)

KAlgebra has recently started support for symbolic operations, to check it out, just type:

x+x+x+x

or

x*x

It doesn't work on some complex structures, though. Only basic support so far. Moreover, KAlgebra has support for differentiation. An example of the syntax:

diff(x^2:x)

If you have used KAlgebra, you will have noticed the syntax completion support, which is very helpful. Another resource that can be useful to learn more about KAlgebra comes with KAlgebra: The Dictionary tab It contains examples of every function supported by KAlgebra. Maybe the best way to learn how to do things with KAlgebra.