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| SYMBOL | USE | EXAMPLE | RESULT |
| := | assignment | f := sin(x); | assigns the expression sin(x) to the variable named f |
| = | equal sign | x=y; | creates the equation x = y. No assignment is made. |
| -> | define a function | f := x-> sin(x) | assigns the function sin(x) to the variable named f |
| " | refers to last output | diff(", x) | differentiates the last output with respect to x |
| + | addition | 3 + x | adds 3 and x |
| - | subtraction | 3 – x | subtracts x from 3 |
| * | multiplication | 5*x | multiplies 5 and x |
| / | division | x/y | divides x by y |
| $ | repetend | diff( expr, x$3) | calculates the third derivative of expr with respect to x |
| ^ | raise to a power | x^3 | computes x cubed |
| ? | on-line query | ?plots | calls up a help screen explaining how to use the plot command |
| ( ) | grouping symbols | (x+3)/5 | divides the quantity x+3 by 5 |
| [ ] | enclose a list | [ x, y, z] | Creates an ordered list. NOT a grouping symbol |
| ; | end of an input line;
output displayed |
f := (3+x)^(1/2); | outputs |
| : | end of an input line;
output suppressed |
f := (3+x)^(1/2) | NO output but the assignment is still made |
| # | put a comment at an input prompt | ># A comment. | Comment lines are not interpreted as input, hence no output is displayed. |