Setting up Maple 

This section is not directly related to writing reports, but you should apply it to all future Maple sessions. 

Worksheets vs. Documents 

Maple 11 has two modes - document mode and worksheet mode. In this class, most of what we do will be in worksheet mode. To open a new worksheet, as opposed to a document, go to the File menu and choose New->Worksheet. 

2D Math vs. Maple Notation 

Maple also has two basic modes to enter mathematical commands. The default mode on most machines is 2-D Math. 2-D Math is a text style designed for writing reports and presentation quality mathematics. Once a person has learned Maple and understands the command structure, it is a great tool. However, while learning Maple it has the disadvantage of obscuring keystrokes. To avoid this, we use Maple notation which is the more traditional format. This displays every keystroke and make its easier to find errors. Look at the following two examples: 

2D Math: 

Maple Notation: 

>

2*x^2;

 

In both cases, the same keystrokes were entered (with the exception of the semi-colon). You can see that in 2D Math, the keystrokes were obscured and if not known to the reader, would not be discernible. For this reason, all the labs will be written in Maple notation and it is important that any work you turn in be written in Maple notation. 

To do this, you need to change the default for the Maple input mode. Go to the Tools menu and select Options. A dialog box will open. Select the Display tab and change the Input Display drop down menu to Maple Notation. 

The 'restart' command 

The restart command is used to clear all variables and output from the memory of the current worksheet. It should be entered at the beginning of each worksheet. This will allow you to use the !!! button on the toolbar which executes all the commands on the worksheet. If you don't enter the restart command data or values from previous problems could be incorrectly used and you could get the wrong answer. 

It should also be entered between each problem you solve. This way you can make sure that each problem uses only its own data. 

For an example look back at the beginning of this document. 

Section Summary: 

• Always use Worksheet mode.

• Always use Maple Notation to enter commands.

• Enter restart; at the beginning of every worksheet and in between problems