When Will I Need Math Software in My Studies?

[shelovesmath]

Hi all. Ok, so I'm a mathematics major, but I'm only so far as my first linear algebra course right now. I have not had any need to use Maple or Mathematica or Mathlab or a calculator for that matter.

So, I'm curious WHEN I might have to start using these programs (what level math).

Also, is one program better for abstract and one better for applied? I'm not really sure what the pro's and con's are to each program.

I have used the Wolfram Alpha site to check homework answers before. That's about it.

 

[Bill Simpson]

I think that "pure" math folks tend to rarely use these while "applied" math folks tend to use these more. The further you go in "pure" math the more proofs and the fewer tools you seem to use.

If someone could produce an easy to use and very dependable tool that would help students become very skilled at writing proofs in their first proof class and would easily and dependably check more advanced proofs for flaws or possible gaps in reasoning then this might very slowly begin to change the culture in "pure" mathematics. Unfortunately, none of those are easy to use or accepted yet.

 

[Simon_Tyler]

Bill, that's not quite true. There are lots of pure maths that require a lot of calculation. For this there is Magma and more recently Sage. Sage includes other specialist packages like Singular, Pari/GP, etc...

It's worth reading
http://sagemath.blogspot.com/2009/12/mathematical-software-and-me-very.html

 

[implicitnone]

Hi,

It would be nice to start right now, just like you're doing with Wolfram Alpha.

Maple (or a second choice of mine would be Mathematica) for a mathematician. You can do both symbolic (where x or y or "the parameters" live as they are) or numerical (where all parameters have numerical values) calculations with Maple and Mathematica. MATLAB is mainly for numerical studies, its symbolic engine is not as good as Maple or Mathematica. Sage is also a very nice and free program if you do not want to pay for Maple or Mathematica, there is also a free MATLAB-like program, Octave which is I think very good.

 

[alphy]

Hello,

As a fellow mathematician, I can understand your curiosity about when you may need to start using math software like Maple, Mathematica, or Mathlab. The use of these programs can vary depending on your specific field of study and research interests. Generally, you may start using these programs in more advanced courses such as abstract algebra, differential equations, or calculus-based statistics. In these courses, software can be helpful for graphing complex functions, solving systems of equations, or performing statistical analysis.

In terms of which program is better for abstract or applied mathematics, it really depends on the specific task at hand. Maple and Mathematica are often used for theoretical and abstract mathematics, while Mathlab is typically used for applied mathematics and engineering. However, all of these programs have capabilities that can be used for both abstract and applied problems. It may be helpful to try out different programs and see which one best fits your needs and preferences.

It's great that you have already used Wolfram Alpha for checking homework answers. These programs can be valuable tools for verifying your work and gaining a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. As you progress in your studies and research, you may find more opportunities to use these programs and discover their benefits. Don't be afraid to explore and experiment with different software options to find what works best for you.

Best of luck in your mathematical endeavors!