Maxima vs PTC Mathcad

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

Maxima is a Education & Reference solution with tags like algebra, calculus, equations, matrices, stem.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including Free and open source, Cross-platform compatibility, Extensive mathematical capabilities, Can be extended with new functions and features, Good documentation and active user community.

On the other hand, PTC Mathcad is a Office & Productivity product tagged with math, engineering, calculation, analysis, documentation.

Its standout features include Perform calculations and visualize engineering concepts, Document engineering work using standard math notation, Solve equations and systems of equations, Analyze data and plot graphs, Automate repetitive tasks, Share calculations through reports, web pages and Microsoft Office integration, and it shines with pros like Intuitive interface for entering and editing mathematical expressions, Live mathematical notation updates results dynamically, Units intelligence ensures dimensional consistency, Visualize concepts with graphs, charts and images, Reuse calculations by managing them in worksheets and libraries.

Feature	Maxima	PTC Mathcad
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Education & Reference	Office & Productivity

Product Overview

Maxima

Description: 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.

PTC Mathcad

Description: PTC Mathcad is engineering calculation software used for solving, analyzing, and sharing engineering design knowledge. It allows engineers to capture and reuse design knowledge and provides a way to document work using standard mathematical notation.

Key Features Comparison

Maxima Features

• 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

PTC Mathcad Features

• Perform calculations and visualize engineering concepts
• Document engineering work using standard math notation
• Solve equations and systems of equations
• Analyze data and plot graphs
• Automate repetitive tasks
• Share calculations through reports, web pages and Microsoft Office integration

Pros & Cons Analysis

Maxima

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

PTC Mathcad

Pros

• Intuitive interface for entering and editing mathematical expressions
• Live mathematical notation updates results dynamically
• Units intelligence ensures dimensional consistency
• Visualize concepts with graphs, charts and images
• Reuse calculations by managing them in worksheets and libraries

Cons

• Steep learning curve compared to general math software
• Limited to mathematical and technical calculations
• Not designed for statistical analysis
• Collaboration requires purchase of additional server product

Pricing Comparison

Maxima

• Open Source

PTC Mathcad

• Subscription-Based