Learning Guide Learning Guide

36 • Chapter 2: Mathematics with Maple: the Basicsrat_expr_2 := x2 − y 2(−y + x) 3> normal(rat_expr_2);y + x(−y + x) 2> normal(rat_expr_2, ’expanded’);y + xy 2 − 2 x y + x 2The expanded option transforms rational expressions into expandednormal form.The combine CommandThis command combines terms in sums, products, and powers into a singleterm. These transformations are, in some cases, the reverse of thetransformations that expand applies.> combine(exp(x)^2*exp(y),exp);(2 x+y)e> combine((x^a)^2, power);(2 a)xThe map CommandThis command is most useful when working with lists, sets, or arrays. Itprovides an especially convenient means for working with multiple solutionsor for applying an operation to each element of an array.The map command applies a command to each element of a datastructure or expression. While it is possible to write program structuressuch as loops to accomplish these tasks, you should not underestimate theconvenience and power of the map command. The map command is one ofthe most useful commands in Maple.> map( f, [a,b,c] );