Technical Computing Magazine - Issue 40

Maplesoft: More Than Just Maple

Eithne Murray,
Project Manager, Maplesoft

It’s not only the World’s most powerful maths software – it’s also at the heart of other ground-breaking computer applications.

It’s hard to imagine a world without MapleTM. It’s been the technical computing software of choice for almost 30 years, and for today’s mathematicians, engineers and scientists, it’s essential.

That’s because Maple lets you explore, visualise and solve even the most difficult mathematical problems. With Maple, you can do quick calculations, perform sophisticated analysis, build simple and complex applications, teach and learn fundamental concepts, create design sheets, develop new algorithms and much more.

The latest version, Maple 15, is second to none in terms of scalability and performance, due to highly efficient fundamental operations, sophisticated algorithms for advanced operations and numerous options to fully leverage the power of multi-core computers. It can also compute symbolic solutions to differential equations that no other system can handle, and now solves an unprecedented 96 per cent of the benchmark standard for differential equations.

With Maple 15, you can work effectively with large data sets and create even more compelling interactive applications using the new data table. The new variable manager gives you greater control over your Maple sessions, quickly assessing the state of your computations.

There’s also more efficient handling of large data sets, enhanced control design tools and new algorithms in optimisation, differential geometry, physics, financial modelling and more.

Maplesoft’s core symbolic technology has evolved over a period of 30 years and is now considered to have the most advanced maths functionality in the World. But this amazing technology isn’t just for mathematical computation; it’s used in different ways for different tasks. Products based on Maple technology include MapleSim (discussed elsewhere in this issue), Maple T.A. and MapleNet.

Maple T.A.is a web-based testing and assessment system which supports complex, free-form entry and intelligent evaluation of responses. Unlike other systems, Maple T.A. is designed specifically for mathematics, science or any courses involving maths. Maple T.A. provides everything you would expect in an assessment system, and more – the new version 7 offers more response analysis tools and even more flexible questions. Because it’s powered by Maple, it offers features especially suited for assessment in technical courses, such as free-response questions graded for true mathematical equivalence, open-ended questions with an infinite number of possible answers, conventional mathematical notation in both questions and responses, and extensive 2-D and 3-D visualisation tools that create plots based on randomised variables. Maple T.A. also offers the easiest and most comprehensive content authoring tools available, and can be integrated into virtually any course management system.

MapleNet brings the power of Maple to your applications and web sites. With new version 15 offering even greater compatibility and the ability to create more compelling interactive applications, you can add mathematical computations and visualisations to your web, desktop and mobile applications, share solutions over the web through interactive Maple documents and develop rich technical web content. Using Maple or standard web tools and technologies, you can quickly develop web sites that perform live calculations based on user input, then display the results using standard mathematical notation and dynamic, interactive plots and animations. You can even make the mathematical power of Maple available to desktop and mobile applications using a standard web services API.

Downlaod the Maple 15 and MapleSim 5 Professional Brochure, or visit the Maplesoft home page