How Do I
Enter a Simple Expression?
In Maple, mathematical expressions, such as x2+π, can be entered in a natural, textbook-like notation. In Maple, this is called 2-D Math notation. The following examples demonstrate the process of entering expressions.
To begin, create a new document in Document mode. To begin entering a 2-D mathematical expression, ensure that you are in Math mode. In this mode, the cursor is inside a box with a dotted outline that indicates the boundaries of the mathematical expression. By default, all new documents created in Document mode start in Math mode so that you can begin entering mathematical expressions immediately. To switch between Math mode and Text mode, press F5.
Example: 2 x5+3 x7
Example: x2+π
Related Topics
Ensure that you are in Math mode, and follow the steps below to enter the expression 2 x5+3 x7.
Step
Description
Illustration
1
Type 2, then x.
2
Press forwards slash (/) to enter the denominator.
3
Type 5.
4
To bring the cursor back onto the base line, press the right arrow (→) key on your keyboard.
5
Type (+). There is no need to type a space, as Maple automatically adjusts the spacing for you.
6
Repeat steps 1 through 4 to type 3 x7.
7
If you wish to continue typing non-mathematical text, press F5 to switch to Text mode.
Note on Multiplication: In general, you need to indicate multiplication by using * or a space. In 2-D math, * appears as a center dot (⋅). In this example, the multiplication of a number by a name is typed as simply 2, then x: 2 x. However, in other cases you will need to make sure to use * or a space. Here are a few examples:
x+1⋅x−2
x⋅y
For more information, see Entering 2-D Math: Multiplication.
Ensure that you are in Math mode, and follow the steps below to enter the expression x2+π.
Click the a template in the Expression palette. The green placeholder a is selected automatically.
Type x to overwrite the a.
To place the cursor in the exponent position, press Shift + ^.
Type 2.
To bring the cursor back onto the base line, press the right arrow [→] key on your keyboard.
Type +. There is no need to type a space, as Maple automatically adjusts spacing for you.
Type the word pi, and press Esc. The command completion list appears, listing every available symbol and command whose name begins with pi. For the Greek symbol for pi, select π.
The How Do I... topics cover the essentials for doing mathematics in Maple. Learn more about available tools and features, such as palettes and the context panel.
How Do I...
...Enter a Complex Number?
...Enter a Function?
...Enter a Matrix?
...Evaluate an Expression?
...Import Tabular Data?
...Plot a Function?
...Plot a Straight Line?
...Plot Multiple Functions?
...Solve an Ordinary Differential Equation?
...Work with Random Generators?
Tools and Features
Palettes
Context Panel
Command Completion
Equation Labels
Assistants
Maple Help
Plotting Guide
Applications
Example Worksheets
Manuals
Refer to Help>Quick Reference for basic Getting Started tips.
See Also
MaplePortal
2-D math
complete command
Expression palette
Download Help Document
