Introduction to algebra with Sympy

2024-10-08

In class today I gave an introduction to using Sympy to study algebra.

You can see a recording of the class here. I have just realised that the recording has not captured the screen which is frustrating. You can find the notebook I was writing on (which is the only thing that was on the screen) here: algebra.ipynb

In class I used Sympy to solve the following problem:

1. Rationalise the following expression: \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3} + 1}\).

2. Consider the quadratic \(f(x) = -x ^ 2 + 8 x - 18\).

3. Calculate the discriminant of the quadratic equation \(f(x)=0\). What does this tell us about the graph of \(f(x)\).

4. By completing the square, confirm that \((4, -2)\) is the maximum point of \(f(x)\).

This is similar to the tutorial in the python for mathematics chapter which is what we will work through during the lab session tomorrow.

Problems installing the software

If you are still having trouble getting the software installed then please make time to meet with me (get in touch and we can find a time).

In the meantime, I suggest you use any of the web services that I recommend for students using chromebooks: https://vknight.org/pfm/tools-for-mathematics/01-using-notebooks/why/main.html#i-only-have-a-chromebook-how-can-i-use-notebooks.