A formidable challenge of studying engineering is becoming fully familiar and comfortable with the mathematics involved in a given discipline for a given subject. Speaking from experience, the battle is 80% won if the equations that describe the problem are first understood ,and secondly and more importantly, are solved rendering physically realizable variables. Once a specific design has been done and tested, documentation of the thought process used in the form of the math, text, graphs and simulation leading to the solution is needed. This documentation is essential because it gives credence to the solution and is a permanent record for the engineer to draw upon in the future. Maple offers all required features needed to do all of the above -- formulating equations, solving them, performing optimizations, helping with the visualization of the extents of the problem and finally documenting it -- all in one package…..PERFECTION.
