ABSTRACT
In recent years several types of computer software have become available that
allow algebra and calculus to be performed symbolically on a computer. In
general, this is called computer algebra software, though its capabilities ex-
tend far beyond purely algebraic operations. Such software can plot graphs
in two and three dimensions to allow the geometrical properties of functions
to be explored; it can be used to understand limiting operations in calculus,
to perform differentiation and integration in symbolic form, as would be
done with pencil and paper, and it can solve differential equations. By removing the possible introduction of errors in problems in which a solution
using pencil and paper would involve tiresome and prohibitively lengthy
calculations, computer algebra software also makes it possible to solve rea-
listic problems in the physical sciences very early on in their study.
