Getting started with KAlgebra: Difference between revisions

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{{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-->


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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.


<!--T:16-->
{{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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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.