1. Q: Do I have to use Maple for doing programming problems in the homework?

    A: You can use Matlab or programming languages such as C or C++. However, usually it's easier to do programming assignments in Maple because most part of the coding is given the Introduction part of the Maple worksheets.

  2. Q: Why do we choose Maple as the major mathematical software for this class? How are we going to use Maple in the class?

    A: Maple has both numerical and symbolic computation capablity besides the graphing tools. And, it is easy to mix text, graphics and Maple commands together in Maple. During the lectures, I will use Maple to illustrate the numerical methods. And, in your self-learning process, you will be asked to go through Maple worksheets, which I will distribute throughout the semester, to understand the course better.

  3. Q: Where can I purchase the Maple software to install it on my home computer?

    A: The university bookstore does not carry any softwares anymore. Instead, you can purchase it through the website: http://www.journeyed.com. Go to the website and do a search for Maple. You want to choose the item 'Waterloo Maple 8 Student Edition' for $129.98. If you have any difficulty, let me know.

  4. Q: How do I submit my homework?

    A: For computer problems (indicated in each assignment), submit in hard copy (the codes and results) and electronically (just the codes). For other questions in the homework, submit in hard copy only.

  5. Q: Some of the homework questions are given as PDF files. What software should we use to read the PDF files and where to get the software?

    A: Adobe Acrobat Reader is free software that lets you view and print Portable Document Format (PDF) files. It can be downloaded at the following link: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html.

  6. Q: Where can I find information about Big-O and small-o notations?

    A: The textbook(Cheney & Kincaid) has a brief discussion on the topic on page 30. More detailed description can be found in sec. 6.7 of Calculus by Thomas and Finney, 9th edition(not 10th).

  7. Q: What are other good numerical textbooks?

    A: "Numerical Methods" by Richard Burden and J. D. Faires. For more advanced topics, read "Numerical Analysis"(different title than our textbook) by Cheney & Kincaid and "Numerical Analysis"(again, different title than above) by Richard Burden and J. D. Faires.

  8. Q: Can I use the earlier editions of the textbook?

    A: The most sections of the textbook are carried over from the old editions of the textbook. You can use it for reading. However, the exercises after each section are different or differently numbered. The Galvin library has a copy of the current edition reserved. You can check out the reserved copy for two hours each time.

  9. Q: How to solve the problem 8.3.4 of the textbook?

    A: Find the coeffs a, b, c, d and e by requiring the formula be true for polynomials 1, t, ..., etc.