What Is a Computer Algebra System?
A computer algebra system (CAS) solves, plots, and manipulates mathematical expressions in an analytical form. CASs support a wide range of mathematics such as linear algebra, calculus, and algebraic and ordinary differential equations.
Work with Equations Analytically
Computer algebra systems can represent parameters and variables in equations as symbols like
Solve, Manipulate, and Evaluate Mathematical Expressions
MATLAB supports both numeric and symbolic approaches to mathematical modeling, which lets you solve problems using the best approach. CASs have sophisticated algorithms for solving and simplifying algebraic equations, systems of equations, and systems of differential algebraic equations (DAEs). For example, you can improve performance and accuracy in optimization by computing exact analytical gradients and Hessians.
Improve Accuracy with Exact Math
In contrast to numerical computations, which can suffer from floating-point errors, symbolic computations are carried out exactly. For example, the result of
For more information on computer algebra systems, see Symbolic Math Toolbox™.
Examples and How To
Software Reference
See also: Symbolic Math Toolbox, mathematical modeling, analytical solution, Live Editor, dimensional analysis, Integral