MATHEMATICA – AN INTRODUCTION
Part I: Basics and Arithmetics
What is Mathematica?
• Mathematica is a symbolic mathematical
computation program, sometimes called a
computer algebra program, used in many
scientific, engineering, mathematical, and
computing fields. It was conceived by Stephen
Wolfram and is developed by Wolfram Research
of Champaign, Illinois. The Wolfram Language is
the programming language used in Mathematica.
• Features include instant dynamic interactivity,
high-impact adaptive visualization, symbolic
interface construction, image and audio
processing, neural networking, 3D printing, and
tools for connecting
to DLL, SQL, Java, .NET, C++, Fortran, CUDA, O
penCL, and http based systems.
Introduction:-
Computer-based symbolic computation has a very significant role in
computer world. Still it is a very under-used, probably because of a reluctance to
break from tradition. Today symbolic manipulation has become a powerful tool, which
boosts productivity
It runs on most popular workstation OS, including Microsoft Windows, Apple
Macintosh OS, Linux, and other Unix-based systems.
Mathematica today is used in all the branches of knowledge:
• Physical science,
• Biological science,
• Social science,
• Commerce,
• Education,
• Enginering,
• Computer science,
etc.
Over 100 specialized commercial packages
and
over 200 books
for Mathematica and its applications
Phases of the computer algebra:-
First Generation:
Reduce has packages suited to the needs of the high energy physicist.
Macsyma is slow and lacks a friendly interface.
Second Generation:
Maple has strong algebraic and graphics capability.
Third Generation:
Mathematica is a very user-friendly interface and superb graphic abilities.
A standard tool for research, development and production of software.
MatLab & MathCad are also available with similar facilities.
1. Who Created Mathematica?
Stephen Wolfram is the creator of Mathematica.
In 1979, he began the construction the computer algebra system.
He began the development of Mathematica in 1986.
1st version released on June 23, 1988, hailed as a major advance in computing world.
In 1991, its Window version 2 was developed by him and his team.
Before 2004, versions 3, 4 and 5, now 6 introduced with new capabilities.
2. What can Mathematica do for you?
STANDARD ARITHMETIC
Operations with Integer, Rational, Real, RICH in Built-in Constants & functions; Special
functions, Creating New functions
ALGEBRA
Factorization, Simplification, Reduction, Solution of Simultaneous equations
List manipulation: Vector, Matrix & Tensor operations; Sums & Products
GRAPHICS
2D, 3D, Contour, Density, Parametric plots, Listplot; Sound and Animation
CALCULUS
Limits, Differentiation and integration, Taylor Series, Solving Differential Eqns.
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS:
Root Finding, Numerical Integration, Solving Differential Eqns., Curve Fitting, etc.
PROGRAMMING
In-built Interpreted Programming Language, also with Compilation facility
3. Structure of Mathematica
Modular software system:-
KERNEL:
main engine of the system containing all the functions (over 1000)
[Link] (for Window Math2.2 version)
FRONT-END:
serves as the channel on which a user communicates with the kernel.
STANDARD PACKAGES:
special topics, like vector analysis, statistics, algebra, and graphics, etc.
MATHSOURCE:
collection of packages and notebooks created by Mathematica users.
Math-Tensor, Graphics, and other Add-ons
4. Ten Commandments
1. Mathematica distinguishes between uppercase and lowercase letters.
2. Mathematica commands, built-in functions, & constants start with a capital letter.
3. Use lowercase letters for defining variables or functions.
4. Arguments of all commands & functions are enclosed in square brackets [ ].
5. Use curly brackets { } for lists of items, and range of parameters of the function.
6. Parenthesis ( ) is reserved for indicating the grouping of terms and to indicate
the precedence of expression.
7. Double brackets [ [ ] ] are used for indexing the components of an object.
8. All functions, for numerical calculations, start with a capital N.
9. Giving Remarks. Statements starting with (* and ends with *) are not executed.
10. When Mathematica detects a syntax error, it prints a message
5. How to Start Mathematica and Execute its Commands?
Double click the Mathematica icon, or
[Link] file
When Mathematica starts, it shows you a blank notebook.
Enter Mathematica commands into the notebook, and then
press Shift-Enter keys to process the input given.
Pressing the Enter key generates a new line.
For getting Help on Mathematica Commands,
use Help
or
type double question marks ?? before the command name.
For instance
??Integrate