Maple Fundamentals Guide

© Maplesoft, a division of Waterloo Maple Inc.

This tutorial is designed to help you become familiar with the Maple environment and
teach you fundamental concepts and tools you need to become productive quickly. To try
this material on your own, start with an empty Maple document. Perform the steps found
in the left column of each table below. The results of each step are displayed in the right
column for your reference.

Note: This guide assumes you are working in Document mode. Most information applies
equally to Worksheet mode, with minor visual differences. Any important differences are
noted in the text.

Talking to Maple

Steps Results

Start Page
When you first open Maple, you will see the Start
page. This page points you to important resources
for new users, and can be turned off by selecting
the "Do not show this page" option.

Click on the New Document icon, on the top left of

the page to open a blank document.
Using [ENTER]
You can start by typing math into your Maple
document and pressing [ENTER] in order to see the
result.

Example: Type "1+2 [ENTER]".

3 (1.1)
Notice that the result appears on the next line.

Using [Alt]+[ENTER]

If you would like to have the result returned on the

same line, press [ALT]+[ENTER].

Example: Type "x+5-2" then [Alt]+[ENTER].

=

Worksheet mode: Inline evaluation is not

available in Worksheet mode. When working
through this guide, simply press [ENTER] instead.
 integrate w.r.t. x
=
Context Panel

Maple's context panel is one of the most important

tools in Maple. It can be used to perform a wide integrate w.r.t. x
=
variety of operations, and the options change
depending on what expression or object your cursor
is on. The context panel is on the right side of your
Maple workspace.

Example: Place your cursor on the last result. The

context panel offers several operations to choose
from according to the expression that you are
using. To integrate this expression, select
Integrate, then x.

It is also possible to generate plots from the

context menu;

Example: To plot the result of the integration, click

on the result, and then select Plots > 2-D Plot.
In Worksheet mode:

Worksheet mode:

In worksheet mode, you enter your problem at the

input prompt [ > ] and press [ENTER] to see the
result (the output). In a typical workflow, to use the
context menus, you put your cursor on your last
result, and then choose an operation from the
context panel to apply to that expression. Maple
will insert the relevant command at the next input
prompt, and evaluate it to return your result.

The context menu operations use equation labels

to refer to the expression Maple is performing the
operation on. You can learn more about equation
labels later in this document.
Changing the Problem

Math in a Maple document is live. You can go back, 5 (1.2)

make changes, and re-execute the problem to
obtain a new result.
integrate w.r.t. x
=

Example: Go back to your original calculation of "1

+ 2", change the number "1" to a "3" and press
[ENTER]. Note the change in output.

Example: In the context panel example, above,

change the "x" to "10 x". Highlight everything from
"10 x" to the plot, then click the Execute
selection button, , found in the ribbons home tab
at the top of the Maple window. All selected
calculations are updated.

Tip: Clicking the Execute the entire worksheet

button, , re-calculates the entire document.
Smart Popups full angle reduction identity: sin(2*x)=2*sin(x)*cos(x)

At the top of the context panel, you'll find Smart

Popups, which give you a preview of the result of
an operation before you apply it.

Example: Enter sin(2x). From the Context Panel,

you can convert this expression to an
equivalent form using trig identities.
Entering Math

Steps Results

Entering Fractions
Use / to enter a fraction. When you type /, you will
automatically moved into to the denominator. Use
the right-arrow key to come out again.

When your numerator contains multiple terms, you

can use brackets to enclose the numerator...

...or you can select the terms you want, using the
mouse or by holding down Shift and using the
arrow keys, before pressing /. The selected
expression will become the numerator of the
fraction when you press /.
Exact Answers and Numeric
Approximations

Maple calculates exact answers (for example,

fractions remain as fractions, and stays as ). =

Example: On a new line, evaluate 1/2 + 1/3.

Use the Common Symbols palette to enter
(you'll learn other methods later).

at 5 digits
= 3.9749
Maple also calculates numeric approximations.

Example: Click on the result above and select

Approximate from the context panel. Select an
accuracy of 5 digits.

If your problem uses decimal approximations =

already, Maple will return the answer in the same
format.

Example: Try the example on the right.

=

You can apply different formatting to numeric

results.

Example: On the context panel, under Number

Format, select Scientific.
Palettes

Maple has over 1000 expressions and symbols

within its collection of palettes, found on the left
side of your Maple window. Some of them insert fill-
in-the-blank templates into your document, and are
useful for problem entry.

Example: Using the Expression Palette, find the

definite integral of from 0 to 1. Open the
expression palette (click Expression on the left-
hand side of your Maple document) and click the (2.1)

definite integral ( ) symbol. A definite integral

template will appear in your worksheet. Fill in the

place-holders (use [TAB] to move to the next
placeholder). When done, press [ENTER] to
evaluate.

Important! Use ^ to create an

exponent/superscript, and right-arrow to get out
again.

Tip: You can put frequently used palette entries on

the Favorites Palette. To do so, right-click on the
desired expression in the palette and select Add to
Favorites Palette.
Entering Symbols using Symbol
Completion

You can enter common symbols, like or , using

palettes. In addition, the symbol completion
mechanism provides an alternative to palettes for
entering symbols using the keyboard.

Type the first few characters of the symbol name,

and press [Esc]. Choose the desired symbol from
the list.

e
Example: Try entering e . For the square
root symbol, enter sqrt [Esc] and choose the e (2.2)
symbol from the menu. Type e [Esc] for the
exponential constant. To enter , type pi [Esc]. The
right-arrow will take you outside the square root
symbol.

Important! Use symbol completion to enter single

letter symbols, such as the exponential e , the
imaginary unit , and the differential symbol . If
you simply type e, Maple will treat e as a variable,

like . Notice the difference: e (symbol) vs. e

(variable, so e is italicized).

The same mechanism can be used to enter

templates.

Example: Type int [Esc]. Choices include various

integration templates.
Case-Sensitivity

Maple is case-sensitive. This means, for example,

that a lower case x and an upper case X will be
=
treated as two different variables.
=

Example: Enter " ".

Example: Enter " ".

Compare the results.

Multiplication
In the case of a number multiplied by a variable
only, you have the option of leaving out the
multiplication symbol entirely, as the examples up
to now have shown.
=
Example: Type " 3x + 4x ".

Maple will insert a space to indicate the implicit

multiplication.

In general, you can use * or a space to denote

multiplication. When using standard math
notation, the * appears as a center dot ( ).
=

Example: Type " 3 [space] x + 5 * x".

Implicit multiplication offers convenience and

additional typesetting options, but if you use
spaces for multiplication, be careful.

" x y " means "x times y", but " xy " means the

variable whose name is "xy".

=

Example: Type "x [space] y + xy ".

The result is not because the two expressions

are not the same. If you choose to Differentiate
using the context panel, you will see that x, y, and
xy all appear as variables in this expression.
Mathematical Notation

Maple understands familiar mathematical notation. solve DE

For example, Maple understands that e

is a differential equation in .
e

Example: Enter the equation listed above (using

the single quote key for the prime notation). To
verify that it is in fact a differential equation, select
Solve DE > y(x) from the context panel.

Label References

Maple uses label references.

e (2.3)
Whenever you use [ENTER] to get a response, the
result is automatically given a label reference. To
refer to a previous result in a computation, use
[Ctrl]+[L] and enter the label reference number.

Example: Multiply the result e (from

above) by , using labels. Your label number may
be different than the one shown.
Variable Assignment

In order to assign a value to a variable name, use

the assignment statement, denoted by a colon
followed by the equals sign, in the form var :=
value.
(2.4)
Example: To assign the value "10" to the variable
name "cost", type "cost := 10". After a value has
been assigned to "cost", it can be used in
20 (2.5)
subsequent calculations.

You can see any assigned variables and their

respective values in the Variables palette.

Tip: Maple performs calculations only when you

ask it to. If you change the value of a variable, you
need to re-execute the statements that depend on
that value to see updated results. Until you do,
your document will continue to display the result
based on the previous value.

Defining Functions
To define a function, use arrow notation, such
as . Enter the arrow operator by typing a
hyphen [ - ] followed by a greater than sign [
> ]. Maple automatically reformats those
characters as a single arrow character. (2.6)

Example: Define a function to take a value, w,

and return its square. 4 (2.7)

2
You can then call the function, as shown. x (2.8)

Tip: You can also enter math into Maple by taking a picture of it using the free Maple
Calculator app. The app also lets you solve many problems directly on your phone.
Adding Text
You can include text throughout your Maple document.

Steps Results
Your document can contain math, text, and The solution can be expressed as
nonexecutable math, which is math that you don't
want Maple to evaluate because it's part of your
explanation, not a calculation. You can press [F5]
to cycle between modes, or use the buttons in the
quick access toolbar:

These buttons also show you which mode you are

currently in.

Press [F5] to change from math input to text input,

and start typing text. Try typing the start of the
sentence on the right.

In Worksheet mode: Create a text region by

selcting the insert tab in the ribbon and pressing
the button. Once in a text region, you can add

math to your text using [F5] or the buttons on the

quick access toolbar.
You can combine text and math in the same line. The solution can be expressed as
Place your cursor at the end of your sentence, and , so it's easily found.
press [F5] again to move to nonexecutable math
input. Once you have entered your mathematical
expression, press [F5] again twice to return to text.

Using nonexecutable math in your text instead of

live math is especially important if you want to be
able to execute your worksheet using the Excecute
All button. . If the math is live, Maple will execute
the expression and show the results at the end of
the paragraph.

You can include live calculations inside your

paragraph by using live, executable math in
combination with inline evaluation or context menu
operations (Document mode only). You can even
replace the = sign or context menu descriptions
factor
with text. We know that =
2
Enter the example to the right, using the Factor , so...
context menu. This time, press [F5] twice so that
you move from text to math mode.
We know that can be
2
rewritten as , so...
Now delete the equal sign, switch to text mode, and
add the replacement text.

Change the +1 to -15, highlight the entire sentence We know that can be
and click execute all selected groups ( ) to re- rewritten as , so...
execute the computation.

Tip: If you are trying to enter math but it doesn't seem to be formatting properly, you are
most likely in text mode. If the math looks right but it doesn't seem to get executed, you
are probably in nonexecutable math mode. In live math mode, the cursor is slanted, and
has a blue box around it. In nonexecutable math mode, the cursor is slanted and has a
gray box. In text mode, the cursor appears as a vertical bar. Remember you can always
use the quick access toolbar to check, and change, your mode:

Tip for Worksheet mode: If the cursor is at an input prompt, [F5] will toggle your input
mode between math notation and Maple syntax, for example, int(exp(x)/2, x) instead of
e
.
Plotting
Maple can produce a large variety of 2-D and 3-D plots and animations.

Steps Results

2-D Plots

The fastest way to plot an expression in Maple is to

use the context panel.

Example: Enter an expression in x (for example,

), then select Plots > 2-D Plot from the
context panel.

You can manipulate this plot in several ways using

the Plot Manipulator tools, found on the Plot ribbon
and also on the context panel.

Example: To pan the plot, click on (or select

Manipulator>Pan from the context panel). Hold
down the left mouse button and use the mouse to
move the plot around.

Example: To zoom in and out, use . Hold

down the left mouse button and draw a rectangle
around the area you wish to zoom in on.

Example: Different styles of point probe are

available. To use the point probe to find the
coordinates of points on your curve, select
Manipulator>Point Probe and Probe
Info>Nearest point on line, or select the
corresponding options using
Combining Plots

You can easily add another plot on the same set of

axes.

Example: Plot . Then enter another equation

in x into your worksheet (e.g. ), highlight the

new expression with your mouse, hold down the

[Ctrl] key and drag it onto the plot.

Annotating Plots

You can add additional information to plots by using

the drawing tools. Lines, arrows, text, 2-D math, and
shapes are available.

Example: Click on the plot, then select the Draw

tab found above the ribbon:
. Select the Text Tool

and drag to enter labels for the curves. Use [F5]

to toggle between text and math, and standard
Maple math editor entry keystrokes.

When you are finished, select the Plot tab above

the ribbon to exit Drawing mode.
3-D Plots

Example: Enter an expression in x and y (e.g.

). Select Plots > 3-D Plots > x,y from the
context panel.

Example: To rotate the plot: Click on the plot, and

then hold down the left mouse button and move the
mouse.

Example: Pan and zoom the plot by selecting the

appropriate tool from the ribbon or the
Manipulator list on the context panel. Now when
you hold down and move the mouse, the new action
is performed.

Plot Options

You can modify the look of your plot in a variety of

ways.

Plot options can be changed using the context

panel. The available options depend on the type of
plot.

Example: Click Transparency and modify the plot

transparency.
Using the Plot Builder

Plots and animations can easily be created and

customized in Maple using the Plot Builder. Using
the Plot Builder, you can choose the type of plot you
want and set options all at the same time. The plot
is updated instantly so you can see the results of
your choices.

Example: Enter the expression you want to plot, for

example, . From the context panel, select Plot
Builder. For this expression, the default plot type is
3-D plot. Change the plot type by selecting 2-D
contour plot from the dropdown menu near the top
of the context panel.

Example: Use the options to customize the plot. For

example, under Basic Options, use the slider to
increase the thickness of the lines. and change color
1 to LeafGreen. Select Axes and Text, then enter a
title for the plot and press [ENTER].

Tip: You can use the Plot Builder to create and

customize your plot, and then use the show
command option to see the corresponding Maple
command that produces exactly that plot.
Using Plotting Commands

The most commonly used plot commands are plot(),

for 2-D plots, and plot3d().

Plot using the plot command as shown.

Note that you can still use the context menus to

change the properties of this plot.

Plot commands take many different customization

options. For example, the 3-D plot to the right can
be created from the command above it.

Select the "Help" tab above the ribbon, then

enter "Plotting Guide" in the search box and
select the Plotting Guide. This guide is a good
place to go when you want to create something
other than a regular 2-D or 3-D graph.

More information on using commands and the help

system can be found later in this document.

Snippet from Plotting Guide:

Assistants, Tutors, and Math Apps
In addition to the Plot Builder, Maple includes many other interactive tools for performing
simple and complex tasks, as well as for exploring concepts. Some examples are below.
See the Tools and Education tabs for the full list.

Steps Results
Using the Exploration Assistant

The Exploration Assistant allows you to instantly

create interactive mini-applications used to explore
the parameters of an expression, even if that
expression involves Maple commands. Explore
generates a user interface with interactive sliders,
dials or gauges that can vary the values for the
parameters and show the results.

Example: Type but don't

press [ENTER]. Select Explore from the context
panel. From here, you can set the range of values
you want to explore, as well as specify any variables
to skip. When you select skip, that parameter
remains as a symbolic unknown in the expression;
no slider will be created to control that value. With
this expression, choose to skip x and y. Move the
sliders to change the plot. a ...
0 5 ...

The Explore functionality is also available through

the Explore() command, which provides even more
functionality and customization options.
b ...
0 5 ...
Using Tutors in Maple

Maple provides many tutors that can be found in the

Education tab, which are useful for teaching and
exploring mathematical concepts in calculus,
precalculus, linear algebra, statistics, and more.

Example: When inside the Education tab, select

Calculus - Single Variable > Integration
Methods. Enter a function and follow the example
through by applying the correct rule at each step
and using Get Hint for help.
Math Apps

Math Apps in Maple provide interactive explorations

of various mathematical and scientific concepts.
Math Apps are available for many different fields
including algebra, functions, calculus, discrete math,
engineering, finance, statistics, and more.

Examples: Navigate to the Education tab and

select Math Apps . Choose from the different

categories by clicking on the corresponding icon.

For instance, click on Algebra and Geometry, and

then click on Conic Sections, which is in the
Geometry section. Move the sliders to see how the
intersection of the plane through the cone results in
different curves.

From the Calculus>Integral section, choose

Solids of Revolution: Volume by Disks, and then
enter, or even draw a curve and see an animation of
its revolution.

In addition to interactive Math Apps, in the

Engineering and Applications section, you will
also find example applications that illustrate how to
solve and explore particular problems using a
command-driven approach.

Tip: You can also view Math Apps online in the

MapleCloud (at maple.cloud), using only a web
browser.
Tasks

For more task-specific help, select the Help tab and

choose Browse to search through a large

collection of task templates for solving problems

from calculus, algebra, geometry, differential
equations, statistics, and more. Even if you choose
not to use the template themselves, the Task
Templates are a still good resource for learning how
to use Maple to solve various problems.
Entering Commands
While many operations in Maple can be done through the use of the context panel and
other interactive tools, Maple also has an extensive set of commands, as well as a rich
programming language.

Steps Results
Entering Maple Commands
Maple has over 5000 commands, which you can call
directly.
(6.1)

Many commands are organized into packages, When

calling these commands, you have to tell Maple
where to find them.

Example: Using the Matrix palette, create a Matrix,

M, and then use the Determinant command from the
LinearAlgebra package, ,to
find the determinant of M. (6.2)

Tip: If you do not provide the package name, Maple

does not know the definition of this function, and so (6.3)
it simply returns the unevaluated expression, as
shown. If you see something like this, it usually
means that you need to tell Maple which package
the command comes from, or that you have
mistyped the command name. (6.4)

You can avoid having to type the long-form of each

command by loading the desired package using with
(Package). This command loads the package and
returns a list of all the commands in that package.
You can put a colon at the end of any command to
suppress its output.

:
Example: Load the LinearAlgebra package. Now add
a colon to the end to see the difference.
(6.5)

Example: Now calculate the Determinant of M using

the short-form of the command.
Using Command Completion
Command completion is very useful when typing
long command names.
(6.6)

Example: Type Gau, then press [Esc] to see a list of

possible completions. Use the arrow key to select
the desired command and press [Tab], or select the
command with the mouse.

Tip: Many packages can be loaded through Tools >

Load Package. See Tools > Packages List to see
the complete list of packages.
Getting Help
Many resources are available to help you find your way around Maple, from "How do I?"
guides for new users to information for advanced Maple programmers.

Steps Results

Using the Help System

You can open the help system at any time from the
Help tab by selecting Help . From here, you can

browse the entire help system through the Table of

Contents, or search for what you need.

If you know the name of the command you are

interested, you can bring up its help page using the
? command.

Example: Type ?isprime to bring up the help page

for the primality test command

Tip: You can place your cursor on a Maple command

in your worksheet and press [F2] to bring up the
help page for that command.
Maple Portal
The Maple Portal brings together a collection of useful
resources for learning about Maple, including:

Getting started resources

How do I...? mini-tutorials

Training videos

User and programming manuals

Examples and applications

Additional resources for students and educators

How to get additional help

Example: Type ?MaplePortal to open the Portal.

20250321