ABSTRACT

In the last three decades Computer Algebra, the field that deals with the development of techniques, algorithms, and creation of software for symbolic manipulation of mathematical expressions, formulas, and equations, has experienced enormous success. Currently, several softwares are available for computer algebra (see de Souza, Chapter 42, in this volume). With the new generation of processors and the high memory capability of the microcomputers, the use of computer algebra systems is no longer restricted to academia, but rather has spread to all kind of professionals who make use of mathematics as a tool for their job.