Re: complex numbers
- To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
- Subject: [mg105931] Re: complex numbers
- From: AES <siegman at stanford.edu>
- Date: Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:08:29 -0500 (EST)
- Organization: Stanford University
- References: <22730182.1261632204307.JavaMail.root@n11> <hh16vq$4n4$1@smc.vnet.net>
In article <hh16vq$4n4$1 at smc.vnet.net>, "David Park" <djmpark at comcast.net> wrote: > ComplexExpand is practically the indispensible routine when working with > complex numbers. It seems to be overlooked by beginners. No wonder. If one > goes to Help and finds tutorial/ComplexNumbers, there is no mention of > ComplexExpand. But guide/ComplexNumbers does list it half way down the page. > Also, it ought to be mentioned in More Information on the Complex Help page. > It is listed in the See Also section, but I could not find it used anywhere > in the examples. It is used in examples on the Re Help page, but not > mentioned in More Information. Considering how many postings there are for > which ComplexExpand is the answer, it would be really nice if WRI would give > it more prominent mention. I enthusiastically second this statement. There are a very large number of other situations in Mathematica as well where adding to the Help files and other documentation just a few carefully selected helpful comments, notes or pointers regarding common problems and potential misunderstandings would be immensely valuable. Given the immense sophistication, power, and wide-ranging usefulness of Mathematica, Wolfram's continued obtuseness on this point is really sad.