Hello
I am taking Linear Algebra this semester and the teacher said that there would be some problems that will require the use of a Computer Algebra System. I have used Maple and it's awful (thats whats in our computer lab).

I was told that I could use any Computer Algebra System I liked. I downloaded the trial version of Derive 6.1 and I liked it. I bought me a real version.

Just in case I run into any problems does anyone else use Derive 6?

The directions that came with the program are quite good and so far I have not run into any problems.

(Only 3 more classes to go)

One more question, I'm nearly 50, what does a person do with a BS in Mathematics?????????????????????????????????

__________________
The moving power of mathematical invention is not reasoning but imagination.
Augustus de Morgan

Show off that you have a degree.

Do you like teaching math? If thus, maybe you can become a high-school teacher.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


"Democracy has proved only that the best way to gain power
over people is to assure the people that they are ruling
themselves. Once they believe that, they make wonderfully
submissive slaves." - Joseph Sobran

Teaching High School is what I have been considering. Texas has changed its requirements for graduation, instead of 2 years of math students will now need 4 years. Over the next 2 and 3 years, the number of math teachers needed will increase.

I still remember how much I hated math in High School, 30-years can make a big difference.

Do you have any experience with Derive?

__________________
The moving power of mathematical invention is not reasoning but imagination.
Augustus de Morgan

I have Derive 5.X, which I use for a number of things, which differers in
minimal ways from 6. I tend to just use it for checking algebra though.

BS in Maths, why then you will be qualified to Bull S**t on mathematical
topics

If you were in the UK you would be able to work in almost any industry
that employs maths graduates: engineering, finance, education ... However
I believe that a US degree is less specialised that a UK one so you might
need a higher degree for anything other than education.

RonL

__________________
Truth does not change because it is, or is not, believed by a majority of the people.

Giordano Bruno

I use matlab 7.2, but that's just me.

Not the same thing, different emphasis, for symbolic work at best you
have a version of Maple with a naff front end.

Also I would never recomend Matlab for anything. It is sold as a loss
leader to education/students so that they are hooked on an essential
tool. The comercial price is ludicrus, the installation on my desk has
cost my employer something like $20000 up front, and I don't know
how much since.

If as a private individual I needed Matlab for some purpose they would
charge me the full comercial licence fee for a copy.

Personaly I would recomend the use of a combination of Maxima, and
one of the free matrix languages (FreeMat, Octave, Euler, RLaB, ...)

RonL

__________________
Truth does not change because it is, or is not, believed by a majority of the people.

Giordano Bruno

What the heck is wrong with Maple?

We will get our first test Friday and I will work on it over the weekend. I will not be permitted to post questions from the test here, but I will be allowed to ask questions about using Derive.

I really liked your last statement, Sounds just like me

__________________
The moving power of mathematical invention is not reasoning but imagination.
Augustus de Morgan