Differentiate Vector Functions

The opration "x: abc" requests Maxima to assign abc to the symbol x. Here a symbol "rr" can be assigned to the vector function $[1+t^3, t e^{-t}, sin 2t]$ with parameter t.

--> rr: [1+t^3, t*exp(-t), sin(2*t)]

The vector "rr" is evaluated at t=2, or t=2.0 for its numerical value.

--> rr, t=2
--> rr, t=2.0

Maximua can differentiate the vector "rr" with respect to t. Then it can be evaluated at t=2.

--> drr: diff(rr,t)
--> drr, t=2

To find the second derivative, we must specify it in the differentiation.

--> ddrr: diff(rr,t,2)

In a similar manner we can find the indefinite integral for the vector function "rr" with respect to t, or calculate the definite integral from t=1 to t=3.

--> RR: integrate(rr, t);
--> RR: integrate(rr, t, 1, 3);

You may use wxMaxima and complete some of the even-numbered exercises assigned in the class. Download the following wxm files, and see how you can start it.

exercise13-2.wxm (differentiation and integration of vector functions)
exercise13-3.wxm (differentiation with vector operations)
exercise13-4.wxm (differentiation/integration with vector operations)