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Introduction

Contents

What is Maple, and where can I obtain it?

Maple is one of the foremost computer algebra systems currently available. Basically, a computer algebra system is software that helps you do mathematics, symbolically as well as numerically.  It frees you from the calculational drudgery of mathematics, and allows you to focus on the conceptual aspects of a problem.  Maple provides a complete mathematical environment for the manipulation of symbolic algebraic expressions, arbitrary-precision numerics, both two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics, and programming.

The latest student version of Maple costs about $99.  The student version contains all the functions of the full blown version, but has some limitations.  For example, the student version is limited to 100 digits of precision.  That should be sufficient for most purposes!  If  you can afford it, the full blown version of Maple costs about $800.

What mathematical prerequisites are required for this course?

This course will show you how you can use Maple to solve a variety of problems, ranging from elementary algebra through differential equations and linear algebra.  If you've studied all of these subjects, you'll get the most out of this course.   However, even students with a minimal acquaintance with calculus can gain much valuable experience by taking this course.  The only actual requirement for taking this course is a desire to learn how to solve problems with Maple!    The problems given in the online quizzes are similar to problems solved in the lecture notes.

What are the hardware and software requirements?

You'll need access to the World Wide Web, in order to read these notes.  As you seem to be doing just that, you've met this requirement.  In addition, you'll need access to a system running Maple V, release 4 or 5.  With release 3 you could also get by, but you may some difficulties reading some of the worksheets I've created.  I strongly advise that you obtain release 5 if at all possible.  It has some truly useful features not available with earlier versions of Maple.

What text is used for this course?

You're reading it!  The course text is entirely online.   Currently it's under construction, so if you attempt to work too far ahead, you may run out of text.  In lieu of purchasing a text, I recommend you obtain a copy of Maple V, if you don't already have access to it.

What is the duration of the course, and what topics are covered?

This one-unit course will run for 5 weeks, starting March 15 and ending April 23.   This is actually 6 weeks, but that includes one week off, Spring Break!   See the course topics to see the main areas explored, and follow the links there to see the subtopics covered.    The course syllabus describes the course timetable, and quiz due dates.

What is expected of students enrolled in the course?

After each section covered, you will take a short multiple choice quiz.   The quiz will contain problems similar to worked out examples in the course notes.    By cutting and pasting from the worked out solutions, and then editing them, you should be able to solve the quiz problems.  The course requires a time commitment of between 3 and 4 hours a week, for 5 weeks.

How do I enroll in the course?

To enroll in the class, you must first fill out an online application form (click on "Online" and scroll down the page to the online application).  Then simply send me an e-mail with your full name, social security number, and mailing address, and also state that you wish to add the class, Math B21 [CRN 13677].  You'll receive a bill in the mail.  For California residents the course costs about $13, while for non-residents the cost is about $130.

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© Copyright 1999,  Rafael Espericueta
Last revised: July 04, 2004