Teaching Mathematics Using MATHEMATICA

Paul C. ABBOTT
University of Western Australia
Nedlands, WA 6907, Australia
paul@physics.uwa.edu.au

Abstract

The Mathematica computer algebra system is an attractive medium for teaching mathematics. New features in Mathematica 3.0 include editable typeset mathematical expressions; customizable palette interface; automatic arbitrary- precision control of numbers; numerical partial differential equations; and integrated hyperlinked documentation. Mathematica is introduced through examples: antisymmetric operators; Gram- Schmidt orthogonalization (vectors and orthogonal polynomials); contour integration (residue theorem) and line integrals; the Kepler equation (series methods); and spheroidal harmonics (eigenfunctions of partial differential equations). These examples highlight the power and versatility of Mathematica and indicate its application to a much wider range of problems in mathematics.

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