Online Introduction to Mathematica

for whom?

This course is of interest for novice Mathematica users. They will get a profound understanding and insight in the general structure of Mathematica.

about the course

The emphasis in the course is on the basic concepts of Mathematica, demonstrated by a lot of small examples. The major point is that everything in Mathematica is an expression, built up from names and numbers. Also the three number systems (exact numbers, machine numbers, arbitrary precision numbers) will be discussed. Then expressions are explained, prefix, infix and postfix notations, order of evaluation, various Form functions. Substitution (the functions ReplaceAll and Rule) is discussed rather in detail, because this is the way Mathematica internally works. Despite the fact that this summary sounds very theoretical, during the course a lot of practical examples are discussed, e.g. how linear algebra can be done with Mathematica and solving equations.

you will learn how to

Understand the general structure of Mathematica

• Find your way in the Help system and documentation
• Perform exact calculations (manipulating formulas)
• Perform numerical calculations
• Create 2D and 3D graphs

skills

Maths knowledge at secondary school level suffices.