These pages contain code snippets and commentary using MATLAB, Octave, Sage and Mathematica organized according to Cooper's Calculus 1 syllabus. (Section titles are from Thomas' Calculus, Addison Wesley.) Some of the samples are designed merely to give you an appreciation for what modern Computer Algebra Systems (CASs) can do. These illustrations may not be annotated in sufficient detail to enable a beginner to fully understand the syntax. So if your interest is captured you may need to consult your instructor, system help pages or online tutorials for clarification. However, most of the code is presented with enough explanation to get a newbie up and running. If you work through this TechCompanion conscientiously, you should be able to solve CAS designated homework problems, and, in the process, begin to develop your ability to apply mathematical software to the solution of scientific and engineering problems. Many of the Sage cells also allow you to vary parameters interactively in illustrative examples to help you explore and deepen your understanding of some of the key concepts of Calculus 1.
Most pages contain a brief introduction followed by links to sections for each CAS so you can easily focus on the system of most interest to you. I do recommend, however, that you try out the Sage interacts whether or not you're interested in learning Sage at this time. There's no need to examine the Sage code to use or benefit from the interacts. The interacts are easily distinguished from other Sage cells by their interact buttons . Sorry... this isn't a live interact. It's just an image of something you should look for elsewhere in this TechCompanion.
As a rule, earlier sections in this guide tend to be longer and more verbose than later sections. The time committment required to keep up with the guide should not prove burdensome as project deadlines (and finals) draw near. Also, the terse example-driven style of later sections should (hopefully) prove intelligible if you've mastered the key portions of the early sections.