Getting started with KAlgebra: Difference between revisions
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'''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. | '''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 == | == The Console Tab == <!--T:2--> | ||
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When you first open '''KAlgebra''' a blank window shows up, this is the main work area for calculus. | When you first open '''KAlgebra''' a blank window shows up, this is the main work area for calculus. | ||
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Let's get started with a little example of how KAlgebra works, just type: | Let's get started with a little example of how KAlgebra works, just type: | ||
{{Input|1=2+2}} | {{Input|1=2+2}} | ||
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However, '''KAlgebra''' is much more powerful than that. It started as a simple calculator, but now it's almost a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_algebra_system CAS]. | However, '''KAlgebra''' is much more powerful than that. It started as a simple calculator, but now it's almost a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_algebra_system CAS]. | ||
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You can define variables this way: | You can define variables this way: | ||
{{Input|1=k:=3}} | {{Input|1=k:=3}} | ||
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And use them normally: | And use them normally: | ||
{{Input|1=k*4}} | {{Input|1=k*4}} | ||
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And that will give you the result: {{Output|1=12}} | And that will give you the result: {{Output|1=12}} | ||
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You can also define functions: | You can also define functions: | ||
{{Input|1=f:=x->x^2}} | {{Input|1=f:=x->x^2}} | ||
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And then use them: | And then use them: | ||
{{Input|1=f(3)}} | {{Input|1=f(3)}} | ||
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Which should return {{Output|1=9.}} | Which should return {{Output|1=9.}} | ||
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You can define a function with as many variables as you want: | You can define a function with as many variables as you want: | ||
{{Input|1=g:=(x,y)->x*y}} | {{Input|1=g:=(x,y)->x*y}} | ||
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The possibilities of defining functions are endless if you combine this with the piecewise function. Let's define the factor function: | The possibilities of defining functions are endless if you combine this with the piecewise function. Let's define the factor function: | ||
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{{Input|1=fact:=n->piecewise { n=0 ? 1, n=1 ? 1, ? n*fact(n-1) } }} | {{Input|1=fact:=n->piecewise { n=0 ? 1, n=1 ? 1, ? n*fact(n-1) } }} | ||
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Yes! '''KAlgebra''' supports recursive functions. Give some values to n, to test it. | Yes! '''KAlgebra''' supports recursive functions. Give some values to n, to test it. | ||
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{{Input|1=fact(5) | {{Input|1=fact(5) | ||
fact(3) }} | fact(3) }} | ||
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KAlgebra has recently started support for symbolic operations, to check it out, just type: | KAlgebra has recently started support for symbolic operations, to check it out, just type: | ||
{{Input|x+x+x+x}} | {{Input|x+x+x+x}} | ||
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or | or | ||
{{Input|1=x*x}} | {{Input|1=x*x}} | ||
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It doesn't work on some complex structures, though. Only basic support so far. | It doesn't work on some complex structures, though. Only basic support so far. | ||
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Moreover, '''KAlgebra''' has support for differentiation. | Moreover, '''KAlgebra''' has support for differentiation. | ||
An example of the syntax: | An example of the syntax: | ||
{{Input|1=diff(x^2:x)}} | {{Input|1=diff(x^2:x)}} | ||
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If you have used '''KAlgebra''', you will have noticed the ''syntax completion'' support, which is very helpful. | If you have used '''KAlgebra''', you will have noticed the ''syntax completion'' support, which is very helpful. | ||
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Another resource that can be useful to learn more about '''KAlgebra''' comes with '''KAlgebra''': The <menuchoice>Dictionary</menuchoice> tab | Another resource that can be useful to learn more about '''KAlgebra''' comes with '''KAlgebra''': The <menuchoice>Dictionary</menuchoice> tab | ||
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It contains examples of every function supported by '''KAlgebra'''. Maybe this is the best way to learn how to do things with '''KAlgebra'''. | It contains examples of every function supported by '''KAlgebra'''. Maybe this is the best way to learn how to do things with '''KAlgebra'''. | ||
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[[Category:Education]] | [[Category:Education]] | ||
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Revision as of 13:56, 2 October 2010
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 Enter 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 with the piecewise function. 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) 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 tab
It contains examples of every function supported by KAlgebra. Maybe this is the best way to learn how to do things with KAlgebra.