A S Hodel wrote:
I've started using LyX 1.4.0 on mac os X during the last week and I
am slowly coming to like it a lot! While working in the MathEd mode,
I noticed that the Edit menu has the option:
Edit->Math->Use Computer Algebra System -> [several choices here]
where the choices include Octave, Maple, Mathematica, and Macsyma.
I was unable to find the phrase "computer algebra system" in the
documentation. As an avid Octave user, I am curious to know how this
feature of LyX can be used.
In linux, it was as simple as installing both lyx and a suitable algebra
system, and then use it like this:
ctrl+M (to enter math mode)
1+1 (simple formula)
edit->math->computer algebra->maxima (maxima is what I have)
Formula automatically turns into:
1+1=2
Maxima was also able to do stuff like \int x^4 dx, and turn it into
\int x^4 dx = \frac{x^5}{5},
as well as \int\int x+ydxdy=\frac{xy^2}{2}+\frac{x^2y}{2}
I even got a long exact answer for the sum from 1 to 75 of 1/x^2
I tried the same with octave, and it failed to evaluate the expressions.
Octave managed to turn 1+2+3+4 into 1+2+3+4=10 though.
The use of computer algebra is limited. Expressions are simplified,
integrals are solved, (and you get the sum too if you provide the limits.)
Nice and powerful, but maxima often chokes on parantheses.
Octave handles those better, but chokes on anything with an "x" in it.
Make sure you don't write the equal sign, let the algebra system do that.
I guess there are some problems with the communication with these
math systems.
Helge Hafting
