Instant SymPy Starter

Learn to use SymPy’s symbolic engine to simplify Python calculations

Overview

• Learn something new in an Instant! A short, fast, focused guide delivering immediate results
• Set up the best computing environment with IPython Notebook, SymPy, and all your favorite Python libraries
• Learn how to streamline your computations with computer algebra
• Compile symbolic expressions into efficient numerical functions

In Detail

Symbolic computation is the use of algorithms and software to perform exact calculations on symbolic mathematical expressions. It has traditionally been the preserve of monolithic computer algebra systems. SymPy puts its power within easy reach of all Python programmers, just an import statement away.

Instant SymPy Starter is an introduction to the exciting world of symbolic computation in Python. With hands-on examples and practical advice, you will learn everything you need to integrate SymPy into your workflow and to make the best use of its functionalities.

This book will guide you on your journey with SymPy, from setting up your development environment to integrating SymPy into your workflow, with many useful tips. You will see how to set up a powerful environment for both symbolic and numerical computations inside IPython Notebook, and learn how to efficiently employ symbolic computation in your numerical calculations. You can follow the examples along on your own system as all the code is available in downloadable IPython notebooks. If you have never used IPython before, you should consider this as the perfect occasion to start.

What you will learn from this book

• Translating mathematical expressions into SymPy objects
• Compiling symbolic expressions into numerical functions
• Computing exact derivatives and Taylor expansions automatically
• Getting exact results for complicated integrals
• Solving systems of equations

Approach

Get to grips with a new technology, understand what it is and what it can do for you, and then get to work with the most important features and tasks.Learning SymPy Starter is an easy-to understand, practical guide packed with real-world examples. It covers everything from the installation steps to the numerous features provided by SymPy.

Who this book is written for

This book is for Python developers. A good grounding in Python is assumed, as well as a bit of familiarity with its scientific ecosystem.

Table of Contents

So, what is SymPy?
Installation
Step 1 – Trying it out online
Step 2 – Installing the environment
Step 3 – Installing SymPy
Step 4 – Configuring the notebook
And that’s it
Quick start – Automated curve sketching
Step 1 – Handling the input
Step 2 – Finding the domain of definition
Step 3 – Finding the local extrema
Step 4 – Computing the asymptotes
Step 5 – Plotting the curve
Step 6 – Building the figure
Top 5 features you’ll want to know about
Creating expressions
Symbols
Functions
Manipulating expressions
The structure of expressions
Querying properties
Substitution
Simplification
Checking for mathematical equality
Numerical evaluation
Floating-point numbers
Compiling expressions
Calculus
Derivatives
Limits
Integrals
Taylor series
Solving equations
People and places you should get to know
Official sites
Articles and tutorials
Community
Blogs
Twitter