ABSTRACT
Computer algebra systems (CAS) provide impressive mathematical capabilities that have revolutionized the way mathematics is done and taught. This chapter presents a historical survey of the most important developments and systems. It introduces the most popular systems, Maple and Mathematical. Computer algebra systems have proven useful in virtually all fields that use mathematics. These include such disciplines as engineering, the physical and biological sciences, mathematics, computer science, statistics, economics, business and finance, and education. Theoretical physics encompasses fields as celestial mechanics, electrodynamics, general relativity, and quantum mechanics. Mathematically, the process of balancing a chemical equation is achieved by solving a system of linear simultaneous equations with integer coefficients. The system was originally called Sage, an acronym for “System for Algebra and Geometry Experimentation,” and the first version was released in 2005. In 1999, the Soft Warehouse sold its interest in Derive to Texas Instruments, whose intent was to develop a line of calculators based on CAS technology.
