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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.

What is Maxima?

Maxima is a feature-rich open source computer algebra system that provides capabilities for symbolic computation and mathematical modeling. First released in 1968, Maxima descends from DOE Macsyma, one of the oldest such systems still in use and development today.

Some of the key features and capabilities of Maxima include:

  • Symbolic manipulation of mathematical expressions containing variables, including algebraic simplification, expansion, factorization, substitution, equation solving, limits, summing series, integrals, derivatives, matrices, and more
  • Extensive graphics and visualization capabilities for plotting 2D and 3D functions
  • Programming language with control structures like conditionals and loops to build complex procedures and algorithms
  • Large library of mathematical functions for statistics, linear algebra, calculus, complex numbers, and specialized math fields
  • Import/export of data and expressions to/from other formats like MathML and LaTeX
  • Command line interface as well as GUIs available for easier use

Maxima is implemented in Common Lisp and runs on all major computing platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux. It can be used as a standalone program or called from other languages. Key user communities include mathematics and physics education as well as engineering fields.

While not as full-featured as proprietary alternatives like Mathematica or Maple, Maxima provides extensive math capabilities for free that make it appealing for students, educators, scientists, and engineers looking to automate and assist with mathematical computations and problem solving.

The Best Maxima Alternatives

Top Apps like Maxima

PTC Mathcad, Mathematica, MATLAB, Maple, Derive, NumeRe, Ascend, SageMath, wxMaxima, OpenAxiom, WordMat, fxSolver, SymPy, Calcpad, Julia, MathStudio, FriCAS, VisSim, Cadabra, GiNaC, Function Analyzer, Yacas, MathJournal, Mathomatic, FormulaDesk Math, GAP, SymbolicC++ are some alternatives to Maxima.

PTC Mathcad

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Mathematica

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MATLAB

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Maple

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Derive

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NumeRe

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Ascend

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SageMath

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WxMaxima

wxMaxima is a cross-platform and open source graphical user interface for the computer algebra system Maxima. It allows users to access Maxima's powerful symbolic and numerical capabilities through a simple, intuitive interface without needing to learn Maxima's command line syntax.Some key features and capabilities of wxMaxima include:Symbolic manipulations...

OpenAxiom

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WordMat

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FxSolver

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SymPy

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Calcpad

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Julia

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MathStudio

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FriCAS

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VisSim

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Cadabra

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GiNaC

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Function Analyzer

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Yacas

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MathJournal

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Mathomatic

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FormulaDesk Math

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GAP

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SymbolicC++

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