Introduction
D
ERIVE
is a mathematical computer program. It processes algebraic variables, expressions,
equations, functions, vectors, and matrices like a scientific calculator processes floating point
numbers. D
ERIVE
can perform numeric and symbolic computations, algebra, trigonometry,
calculus, and plot graphs in 2 and 3 dimensions. The main strength of D
ERIVE
are symbolic
algebra and powerful graphics. It is an excellent tool for doing and applying mathematics, for
documenting mathematical work, and for teaching and learning mathematics.
For a teacher and student, D
ERIVE
is the ideal tool for supporting the teaching and the learning of
mathematics. By providing numeric, algebraic, and graphic capabilities together with seamless
integration of these, D
ERIVE
enables new approaches in teaching, learning, and understanding
mathematics. You will find that many topics can be treated more efficiently and effectively than
by using traditional methods. Many problems that require extensive and laborious training at
school can be solved with a single keystroke using D
ERIVE
: It eliminates the drudgery of
performing long mathematical calculations. While D
ERIVE
takes the burden of doing the
mechanical/algorithmic parts of solving a problem, students can concentrate on the
mathematical meaning of concepts. Instead of teaching and learning boring technical skills,
teachers and students can concentrate on the exciting and useful techniques of problem solving.
It has proven to be highly supportive for the cognitive development of advanced mathematical
concepts.
For an engineer, D
ERIVE
is the ideal tool for fast and effective access to numerous mathematical
operations and functions and for visualizing problems and their solutions in various ways. If you
use D
ERIVE
for your everyday mathematical work, you will find it a tireless, powerful, and
knowledgeable mathematical assistant that is easy to use.
This book is for learning how to use D
ERIVE
5 by private study. Install D
ERIVE
5 on your
computer. Starting with the first chapter, you will learn step by step
how to use the program.
Follow all instructions and examples. The text leads you through several mathematical topics
that are used for learning how to solve mathematical problems with D
ERIVE
. Many of the
examples also provide ideas for using D
ERIVE
during teaching; some of them are explained in
more detail in “Educator’s footnotes.” Paragraphs starting with the symbol
give instructions
about what you should do on your computer. Hundreds of screen dumps ensure that you will not
get lost on this journey.