MAPLE is a computer algebra system which, thanks to an extensive library of sophisticated functions, enables both numerical and formal computations to be performed. Until recently, such systems were only available to professional users with access to mainframe computers, but the rapid improvement in the performance of personal computers (speed, memory) now makes them accessible to the majority of users. The latest versions of MAPLE belong to this new generation of systems, allowing a growing audience of users to become familiar with computer algebra. This work does not set out to describe all the possibilities of MAPLE in an exhaustive manner; there is already a great deal of such documentation, including extensive online help. However, these technical manuals provide a mass of information which is not always of great help to a beginner in computer algebra who is looking for a quick solution to a problem in his own speciality: mathematics, physics, chemistry, etc. This book has been designed so that a scientist who wishes to use MAPLE can find the information he requires quickly. It is divided into chapters which are largely independent, each one being devoted to a separate subject (graphics, differential equations, integration, polynomials, linear algebra, ... ), enabling each user to concentrate on the functions he really needs. In each chapter, deliberately simple examples have been given in order to fully illustrate the syntax used.
"I do not like manuals. ... I prefer introductions like this one: After some unavoidable preliminaries, numerous examples (arranged by topic, not by command name) show how Maple can be used to solve problems, and (very important!) also what one can do wrong. Normally, these samples can easily be modified, and will (after some trial and error, maybe) soon lead to a solution of one's problem. - Those who think like me will find this book very helpful."
P.Schmitt, Monatshefte für Mathematik, Vol. 141, Issue 1, 2004
"... Thus the book is designed for students, teachers, engineers and researchers aiming to master the Maple computer algebra system at an introductory level. The book achieves this aim. The coverage of material is quite extensive. ... I worked through selected parts of the book attempting to view the instructions from a beginner's perspective. The instructions are clear and the examples are relevant for most of the mathematics covered at undergraduate level by engineers and scientists. There are adequate warnings along the way as to where things might go wrong. This feature is a particularly useful aid to the beginner. I believe I would have found this book very helpful when I first started using Maple. ... The structure of the book allows the beginner to locate easily practical helpful information to deal with the problem at hand. ... ...I would recommend that some copies be placed in your computer laboratory to be on hand when students are working alone, as I am sure they will find it most helpful."
Australian Mathematical Gazette, Volume 29, Number 1
"[...] There are several ways to make yourself familiar with a computer algebra system. This book provides a useful and easy way to get acquainted with MAPLE V. This is an excellent book written about MAPLE V. We can recommend this book to mathematicians, physicists, chemists, engineers, and to all who aren't loath to use computer in computations."
Acta Math.Scient. 68, p. 494, 2002
