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.

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.

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


PTC Mathcad

PTC Mathcad

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.

Categories:
math engineering calculation analysis documentation

PTC Mathcad Features

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

Pricing

  • Subscription-Based

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