SageMath is a computer algebra system which uses python, throughout these labs sage cells will be used for certain problems. This lab introduces you to the basics of using SageMath via Sage Cells.
Introduction
If you ever want to use a sage cell when one is not provided, or would like to experiment with Sage Cells, you can follow this link.
Functions
To define a function you use the notation in the following sage cell:
What output did you get from evaluating the sage cell?
If you don’t use function notation, or want to define a function of multiple variables
you must define your variables before using them, as in the following Sage
Cell. The following sage cell defines the equation , and then solves it for .
None
All we did was define a function, to see the function definition type f(x).
Evaluate the function at by typing f(3) in the sage cell, what did you get?
From the sage cell above, what can you say about ‘‘=’’ vs ‘‘==’’?
The solve command is also shown above, it’s fairly intuitive to use, the thing you
want to solve is the first parameter and what you’re solving for is the second
parameter.
‘‘=’’ is used for
assignment and ‘‘==’’ is used to signify equality ‘‘=’’ is used to signify equality
and ‘‘==’’ is used for assignment
Note that you need to include the * operator, go back and take out the * to see how
Sage Does error messages and debugging.
Getting Help
If you ever get stuck trying to use a command, there is built in documentation (as well as Google). Type the command followed directly by ‘‘?’’ to get extensive documentation on how to use it with examples. Try this for the solve command in the following cell.