Re: Displaying Equations Symbolically and Numerically
- To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
- Subject: [mg114757] Re: Displaying Equations Symbolically and Numerically
- From: David Bailey <dave at removedbailey.co.uk>
- Date: Thu, 16 Dec 2010 05:47:49 -0500 (EST)
- References: <ieadkv$r9h$1@smc.vnet.net>
On 15/12/10 12:51, Gregory Lypny wrote:
> Hello everyone,
>
> I would like to be able to display equations for my students in symbolic
> form on the left side and with the numbers plugged in on the right side
> but am not quite sure how to do it programmatically. Suppose my
> equation in "symbolic" form is
>
> sqrt(x^(a+b)) + c ln(d/e)
>
> I know I can make it look like real math by having it displayed as
> TraditionalForm. However, I also want to display the solution with
> particular values for the variable x and the parameters a, b, c, d, and
> e slotted in, something like
>
> sqrt(x^(a+b)) + c ln(d/e) = sqrt(9^(2+1)) + 4 ln(32/8) = answer
>
> to recognize that some students may be a little rusty at simplifying on
> the fly. Wrapping the whole package in Manipulate would put the icing
> on the cake.
>
> Any tips on how apply the appropriate styles would be most appreciated.
>
> Regards,
>
> Gregory
>
>
>
Your question is a little vague (I don't see where Manipulate might come
in), but presumably it is the middle expression that you have difficulty
with - because it is partially evaluated. The easiest way to obtain it,
is to perform the substitutions on the expression wrapped in HoldForm.
HoldForm[sqrt (x^(a + b)) + c ln (d/e)] /. {9 -> 9, a -> 2, b -> 1,
c -> 4, d -> 32, e -> 8}
You can then remove the HoldForm, with for example expr/.HoldForm->Identity
The general problem of making Mathematica follow the steps that a person
might have used in a hand calculation, is much more difficult, however.
Mathematica often uses quite exotic methods to solve (for example)
integrals, and anyway these intermediate steps are not displayed.
David Bailey
http://www.dbaileyconsultancy.co.uk