Using Cas In A Graduate Numerical Methods Course

This paper describes the introduction of a computer algebra system as a tool in a course which has traditionally used FORTRAN or C as (CAS) (e.g., Mathematical or Maple) the programming tool of choice. The claim here is not that one type of programming language-CAS (interpretive language) versus FORTRAN or C (compiled languages) -is generically better, but that for teaching purposes, each offers different advantages. Some of the benefits of a CAS approach will be described [1].