Creating and using mathematical functions

Abstract

The first part of this chapter discusses some aspects of the many mathematical functions contained in Maple.

Any expression containing “indeterminate variables” can be seenas a function in these variables; functions values can be found by substituting values for the variables. In practice, this can be rather clumsy. It is often more efficient to create and use your own functions. In the second part of the present chapter this subject is discussed.

Moreover, calculation of derivative functions, creating functions from existing functions, especially by composition, and piecewise-defined functions are discussed.

Creating your own functions is a start in programming. A full guide to programming is beyond the scope of this book. A basic step in this direction can be found in Appendix E, Control structures.