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Re: Can Mathematica help me?

• To: mathgroup@smc.vnet.net
• Subject: [mg10993] Re: [mg10936] Can Mathematica help me?
• From: seanross@worldnet.att.net
• Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 03:39:59 -0500
• References: <199802140553.AAA01148@smc.vnet.net.>

Mark Carroll wrote:
> 
> Here's my problem: I have software that generates a set of equations
> that needs to be solved. Numerical solutions are okay.
> 
> Unfortunately, the set of equations may not have a nice closed form and
> may contain differential equations or other exciting things, etc. Can I
> just throw such a set of equations at Mathematica and have it solve
> them? I'd prefer it to figure out when to use particular parts of
> expert knowledge instead of having to tell it, 'okay, solve this set as
> differential equations, then try to simplify this other set using
> general techniques'. So far, I've not seen anything that doesn't need
> to be guided along by telling it what parts of its mathematical
> knowledge to apply where: it's hard enough to do that automatically,
> and I doubt it's even possible in the general case.
> 
> Basically, I'm looking for something where its various skills can seem
> to work together as a group, instead of each having to be  consulted
> individually. Is Mathematica up to this?
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> -- Mark


Mathematica is a programming language, not a program.  There are many
built-in functions and a lot of things can be done in one-line
programs.  The general problem of solving any kind of equations with
any kind of derivatives in them with no programming from the user is
beyond any language I know of at this point.  However, I think
mathematica will minimize the amount of programming you need to do in
order to solve your problem.
-- 
Remove the _nospam_ in the return address to respond.

• References:
  • Can Mathematica help me?
    • From: Mark Carroll <mcarroll@cantab.com>