Derive vs Maxima

Struggling to choose between Derive and Maxima? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Derive is a Education & Reference solution with tags like math, algebra, calculus, graphing, education.

It boasts features such as Symbolic and algebraic manipulation, 2D and 3D plotting, Matrix operations, Solving equations, Calculus and analysis tools, Statistics and probability tools, Units conversion and pros including Powerful math engine, Intuitive graphical interface, Extensive function library, Step-by-step solutions, Good for math education.

On the other hand, Maxima is a Education & Reference product tagged with algebra, calculus, equations, matrices, stem.

Its standout features include Symbolic manipulation of mathematical expressions, Numerical computations, 2D/3D plotting and visualization, Solving equations and systems of equations, Matrix operations, Integration and differentiation, Taylor series expansions, Laplace and Fourier transforms, Probability and statistics functions, Unit conversions, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Cross-platform compatibility, Extensive mathematical capabilities, Can be extended with new functions and features, Good documentation and active user community.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Derive

Derive

Derive is a mathematical software program used for symbolic and numeric manipulation of mathematical expressions. It has a graphical user interface and can perform various calculations, plot graphs, solve equations, and assist with math education.

Categories:
math algebra calculus graphing education

Derive Features

  1. Symbolic and algebraic manipulation
  2. 2D and 3D plotting
  3. Matrix operations
  4. Solving equations
  5. Calculus and analysis tools
  6. Statistics and probability tools
  7. Units conversion

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase

Pros

Powerful math engine

Intuitive graphical interface

Extensive function library

Step-by-step solutions

Good for math education

Cons

Steep learning curve

Limited compatibility with other math software

Development discontinued in 2006

Lacks some advanced features


Maxima

Maxima

Maxima is an open-source computer algebra system that provides symbolic computation capabilities. It can manipulate mathematical expressions, differentiate and integrate functions, solve equations, work with matrices, graphs, and more. Useful for STEM fields like math, engineering, physics.

Categories:
algebra calculus equations matrices stem

Maxima Features

  1. Symbolic manipulation of mathematical expressions
  2. Numerical computations
  3. 2D/3D plotting and visualization
  4. Solving equations and systems of equations
  5. Matrix operations
  6. Integration and differentiation
  7. Taylor series expansions
  8. Laplace and Fourier transforms
  9. Probability and statistics functions
  10. Unit conversions

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Cross-platform compatibility

Extensive mathematical capabilities

Can be extended with new functions and features

Good documentation and active user community

Cons

Steep learning curve

User interface not very intuitive

Limited capabilities for numeric computations compared to MATLAB or NumPy

Graphics and visualization not as advanced as MATLAB or Mathematica