Modules for Differential Calculus

Maple Tutor

Part 7: Functions

1. Next we define a function to assign the value 10 sin x to each x. Enter
   x:='x';
   f:=x->10*sin(x);
   and then
   f(1);
   You may be surprised to see
   10 sin(1)
   rather than a decimal approximation. To obtain a decimal approximation, enter
   evalf(%);
   The command "evalf" stands for "floating point evaluation."
2. To be sure that the action of evalf is clear, enter
   103751/2053;
   and then
   evalf(%);
3. Now let's evaluate f at pi/6. First, we need the value of pi. Enter
   Pi;
   Now alter this line to read
   evalf(Pi);
   Note that Maple is case sensitive.The "P" must be upper-case and the "i" must be lower-case. Find a decimal approximation to f(pi/6).
4. Find a decimal approximation to each of the following: f(2) and f(pi/3).

Last modified: June 23, 1997