Getting started with KAlgebra: Difference between revisions

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<!--T:25-->
{{EduBreadCrumbs|parent=KAlgebra}}
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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-->
 
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:
 
:<pre>
::2+2
 
 
</pre>
 
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:
 
:<pre>
::k:=3
 
 
</pre>
 
And use them normally:
 
:<pre>
::k*4
 
 
</pre>
 
And that will give you the result: 12 You can also define functions:


:<pre>
<!--T:3-->
::f:=x-&gt;x^2
When you first open '''KAlgebra''' a blank window shows up, this is the main work area for calculus.


<!--T:4-->
Let's get started with a little example of how KAlgebra works, just type:
{{Input|1=2+2}}
Then type <keycap>Enter</keycap> and '''KAlgebra''' will show you the result. So far it's easy.


</pre>


And then use them:  
<!--T:5-->
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].


:<pre>
<!--T:6-->
::f(3)
You can define variables this way:
</pre>
{{Input|1=k:=3}}


Which should return 9. You can define a function with as many variables as you want:  
<!--T:7-->
And use them normally:
{{Input|1=k*4}}


:<pre>
<!--T:8-->
::g:=(x,y)-&gt;x*y
And that will give you the result: {{Output|1=12}}
</pre>


The possibilities of defining functions are endless if you combine this withe the piecewise. Let's define the factor function:  
<!--T:9-->
You can also define functions:
{{Input|1=f:=x->x^2}}


::fact:=n-&gt;piecewise { n=0&nbsp;? 1, n=1&nbsp;? 1,&nbsp;? n*fact(n-1) }
<!--T:10-->
And then use them:
{{Input|1=f(3)}}


Yes! KAlgebra supports recursive functions. Give some values to n, to test it.  
<!--T:11-->
Which should return {{Output|1=9.}}


:<pre>
<!--T:12-->
::fact(5)  
You can define a function with as many variables as you want:
{{Input|1=g:=(x,y)->x*y}}


::fact(3)
<!--T:13-->
</pre>
The possibilities of defining functions are endless if you combine this with the piecewise function. Let's define the factor function:


KAlgebra has recently started support for symbolic operations, to check it out, just type:
<!--T:14-->
{{Input|1=fact:=n->piecewise { n=0 ? 1, n=1 ? 1, ? n*fact(n-1) } }}


:<pre>
<!--T:15-->
::x+x+x+x
Yes! '''KAlgebra''' supports recursive functions. Give some values to n, to test it.
</pre>


or
<!--T:16-->
{{Input|1=fact(5)
fact(3) }}


:<pre>
<!--T:17-->
::x*x  
KAlgebra has recently started support for symbolic operations, to check it out, just type:
</pre>
{{Input|x+x+x+x}}


It doesn't work on some complex structures, though. Only basic support so far.
<!--T:18-->
or
{{Input|1=x*x}}


Moreover, KAlgebra has support for differentiation. An example of the syntax:
<!--T:19-->
It doesn't work on some complex structures, though. Only basic support so far.


:<pre>
<!--T:20-->
::diff(x^2:x)  
Moreover, '''KAlgebra''' has support for differentiation.
</pre>
An example of the syntax:
{{Input|1=diff(x^2:x)}}


If you have used KAlgebra, you will have noticed the syntax completion support, which is very helpful.  
<!--T:21-->
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  
<!--T:22-->
Another resource that can be useful to learn more about '''KAlgebra''' comes with '''KAlgebra''': The <menuchoice>Dictionary</menuchoice> tab


It contains examples of every function supported by KAlgebra. Maybe the best way to learn how to do things with KAlgebra.  
<!--T:23-->
It contains examples of every function supported by '''KAlgebra'''. Maybe this is the best way to learn how to do things with '''KAlgebra'''.


<!--T:24-->
[[Category:Education]]
[[Category:Education]]
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Latest revision as of 12:01, 3 October 2010

Home » Applications » Education » KAlgebra » 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 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 Dictionary tab

It contains examples of every function supported by KAlgebra. Maybe this is the best way to learn how to do things with KAlgebra.