Mathcad

Mathcad contains hundreds of operators and built-in functions for solving various technical problems. The program allows you to perform numerical and symbolic calculations , perform operations with scalar quantities , vectors and matrices , and automatically convert one unit of measurement to another.

Among the features of Mathcad are:

• Solution of differential equations , including numerical methods
• Construction of two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphs of functions (in different coordinate systems, contour, vector, etc.)
• The use of the Greek alphabet in both equations and text
• Performing calculations in character mode
• Performing operations with vectors and matrices
• Symbolic solution of systems of equations
• Curve approximation
• Running routines
• Finding polynomial roots and functions
• Conducting statistical calculations and work with probability distribution
• Search for eigenvalues and vectors
• Unit Calculations
• Integration with CAD systems , using calculation results as control parameters

With Mathcad, engineers can document all calculations as they progress.

Features of Mathcad Prime 3.0

Using this version of the application, you can:

• Use a regular calculator for simple, repeatable calculations
• Compute and simplify character expressions
• use integrals and derivative functions to calculate;
• solve systems of linear algebraic equations, work with matrices and determinants;
• solve systems of nonlinear algebraic equations;
• to build graphs both in Cartesian and cylindrical, and in polar coordinates, various diagrams and histograms;
• create programs with branching and cyclic algorithms using your own, intuitive programming language;
• solve differential equations;
• solve problems of probability theory and mathematical statistics;
• exchange information with other applications of the Windows operating system, such as Excel, Powerpoint, Word;
• document calculations and create reporting documentation;
• has more than 600 built-in mathematical functions;
• support for document templates, text formatting, formatting formulas;
• improved module for working with 3D graphics;
• “Math in text” - the ability to enter formulas directly in the text

Purpose

Mathcad refers to computer algebra systems , that is, automation tools for mathematical calculations. In this class of software, there are many analogues of various kinds and principles of construction. Most often, Mathcad is compared with such software systems as Maple , Mathematica , MATLAB , as well as their counterparts MuPAD , Scilab , Maxima , etc. However, objective comparison is complicated due to the different purpose of the programs and the ideology of their use.

The Maple system, for example, is mainly intended for performing analytical (symbolic) calculations and has for this purpose one of the most powerful in its class arsenal of specialized procedures and functions (over 3000). This configuration for most users who are faced with the need to perform mathematical calculations of medium difficulty is excessive. Maple features are focused on users - professional mathematicians ; solving problems in the Maple environment requires not only the ability to operate any function, but also the knowledge of the solution methods embedded in it: many built-in Maple functions contain an argument defining a solution method.

The same can be said of Mathematica . This is one of the most powerful systems, has an extremely large functional content (there is even sound synthesis). Mathematica has a high computational speed, but requires the study of a rather unusual programming language .

Mathcad developers have relied on expanding the system in accordance with the needs of the user. For this, additional libraries and expansion packs are assigned, which can be purchased separately and which have additional functions that are built into the system during installation, as well as electronic books describing methods for solving specific problems, with examples of existing algorithms and documents that can be used directly in your own calculations . In addition, if necessary and subject to the availability of programming skills in C , it is possible to create your own functions and attach them to the core of the system through the DLL mechanism.

Mathcad, unlike Maple , was originally created for the numerical solution of mathematical problems, it is focused on solving problems of applied , rather than theoretical, mathematics, when you need to get a result without going deeper into the mathematical essence of the problem. However, for those who need symbolic calculations and the integrated Maple kernel is intended (from version 14 - MuPAD ). This is especially useful when it comes to creating educational documents, when it is necessary to demonstrate the construction of a mathematical model based on the physical picture of a process or phenomenon. The symbolic core of Mathcad, unlike the original Maple (MuPAD), is artificially limited (about 300 functions are available), but in most cases this is quite enough for solving engineering problems.

Moreover, experienced Mathcad users found that in versions up to and including 13, it is possible to use almost the entire functional arsenal of the Maple kernel (the so-called “undocumented features”) in a not-so-complicated way, which brings Mathcad's computational power closer to Maple ^[4] .

Interface

The main difference between Mathcad and similar programs is the graphical rather than the text mode for entering expressions. For a set of commands, functions, formulas, you can use both the keyboard and buttons on numerous special toolbars . In any case, the formulas will have the usual look similar to that of a book. That is, special preparation for a set of formulas is not necessary. Calculations with the entered formulas are carried out at the request of the user: either instantly, simultaneously with dialing, or by command. Conventional formulas are calculated from left to right and from top to bottom (like reading text). Any variables, formulas, parameters can be changed by observing firsthand the corresponding changes in the result. This makes it possible to organize the validity of interactive computing documents.

In other programs (Maple, MuPAD, Mathematica), calculations are carried out in the mode of a program interpreter , which transforms the commands entered in the form of text into the formulas. Maple with its interface is aimed at those users who already have programming skills in the environment of traditional languages ​​with the introduction of complex formulas in text mode. To use Mathcad, you may not be at all familiar with programming in one form or another.

Mathcad was conceived as a programming tool without programming, but if such a need arises, Mathcad has programming tools that are quite easy to learn, which allow, however, to build very complex algorithms, which are resorted to when there is not enough built-in solution to the problem, and also when serial calculations ^[5] .

Separately, it should be noted that it is possible to use quantities with dimensions in Mathcad calculations, and you can choose a system of units : SI , GHS , ISS , English , or build your own. The calculation results, of course, also get the corresponding dimension. The benefits of such an opportunity can hardly be overestimated, since the tracking of errors in calculations, especially in physical and engineering, is greatly simplified.

Graphics

In the Mathcad environment, there are virtually no graphs of functions in the mathematical sense of the term, but there is a visualization of data in vectors and matrices (that is, both lines and surfaces are constructed by points with interpolation ), although the user may not know about it, since it has the ability to directly use the functions of one or two variables to plot graphs or surfaces, respectively. One way or another, the Mathcad visualization mechanism is significantly inferior to that of Maple, where it is enough to have only the appearance of a function to build a graph or surface of any complexity. Compared to Maple, Mathcad graphics also has such drawbacks as: the impossibility of constructing surfaces defined parametrically with a non-rectangular domain for determining two parameters; creation and formatting of graphs only through the menu, which limits the ability to programmatically control the graphics parameters ^[5] .

However, you should remember about the main scope of Mathcad - for engineering tasks and the creation of interactive training documents, the visualization capabilities are quite enough. Experienced Mathcad users demonstrate the ability to visualize complex mathematical constructions, but objectively this is already beyond the scope of the package.

See also comparison tables of computer algebra systems ^[6] :, en: Comparison of computer algebra systems .

Mathcad can be supplemented with new features with the help of specialized extension packages and libraries that replenish the system with additional functions and constants for solving specialized tasks:

• Data Analysis Extension Pack .
• Signal Processing Extension Pack - contains over 70 built-in functions for analog and digital signal processing , analysis and presentation of results in graphical form.
• Image Processing Extension Pack - provides Mathcad with the necessary tools for image processing , analysis and visualization .
• Wavelets Extension Pack - contains a large set of additional wavelet functions that can be added to the built-in library of functions of the base module of Mathcad Professional. The package provides the opportunity to apply a new approach to the analysis of signals and images, statistical evaluation of signals, analysis of data compression , as well as special numerical methods . Functionality includes one- and two-dimensional wavelets, discrete wavelet transforms, multi-resolution analysis and much more. The package combines more than 60 functions of key wavelets. Orthogonal and biorthogonal wavelet families are included, including, among other things, the Haar wavelet, Daubechies wavelet , simlet , coiflet and B-splines . The package also contains extensive interactive documentation on the basic principles of wavelets, applications, examples, and reference tables.
• Civil Engineering Library - Includes a reference book . Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain , customizable templates for building design and examples of thermal calculations.
• Electrotechnical Library ( Eng. Electrical Engineering Library ) - contains standard computational procedures, formulas and lookup tables used in electrical engineering . Textual explanations and examples facilitate the work with the library - each heading has a hyperlink to the table of contents and index, and it can be found in the search system.
• Library of mechanical engineering ( English Mechanical Engineering Library ) - includes a reference book of English. Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain , which contains more than five thousand formulas, computational procedures from the McGraw-Hill Handbook and the finite element method . Textual explanations, a search engine and examples make the job easier. The library includes an electronic book by David Pintur “Introduction to the finite element method”.

Mathcad integrates with SmartSketch , VisSim / Comm PE, Pro / ENGINEER .

The SmartSketch application allows engineers , designers , architects , draftsmen , system and network administrators to work with accurate drawings and graphs.

VisSim / Comm PE is a Windows-based application for modeling analog, digital or mixed message systems at the signal or physical level.

Using Components

In Mathcad document programs, it is possible to insert modules of other applications to expand the capabilities of visualization, data analysis, and specific calculations.

For advanced data visualization, the Axum Graph component is intended. To work with tabular data - Microsoft Excel .

Data Acquisition , ODBC Input components allow you to use external databases .

Free add-in modules are also available for integrating Mathcad with Excel, AutoCAD programs.

For statistical analysis, the Axum S-PLUS Script component is intended.

Significant expansion of the package is achieved by integration with the heavy-duty MATLAB application.

Mathcad 1.0-5.xx

Versions of Mathcad from 1.0 to 4.xx worked in the DOS operating system, had a small total size of executable files (up to 1 MB) and insignificant (by modern standards) system requirements (RAM up to 1 MB, IBM PC-compatible computer ). The capabilities made it possible to perform operations with both elementary mathematical functions and special ones (statistical, Boolean, complex, etc.). Already in the first versions there was the possibility of using dimensions in calculations and building 2D graphics .

3D graphics appeared in versions 2.5x and higher, the capabilities of which, however, were significantly constrained by the insignificant computing capabilities of computers of that time.

Joining forces with Waterloo Maple Software and introducing into their systems the core of Maple V , a powerful symbolic math system , MathSoft Inc. taught her system (starting with version 3.0) the basics of computer algebra (symbolic mathematics). However, of the numerous functions of the Maple V kernel and its extensions (there were about 2500 of them in Maple V R3 for Windows), only a tiny fraction of the common functions of symbolic mathematics was involved. Meanwhile, it became possible to use Maple V kernel functions with calling them from the Mathcad system.

Programming capabilities were limited by the functions if and until , which allowed to implement only two basic algorithmic constructions - selection and repetition. But these functions cannot have blocks of compound operators as arguments. Therefore, to implement even a simple algorithm, it was necessary to connect a mechanism of nested functions, which significantly complicates programming.

Versions 5 and above already worked on the Windows platform. Starting with the fifth version of Mathcad, users were given the opportunity to announce new built-in functions in the Mathcad environment. They had to be written in C , compiled with a 32-bit translator, and attached to Mathcad via the DLL mechanism.

The fifth version also introduced tools for solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and their systems.

Mathcad 6

The versions of Mathcad 6.0 and PLUS 6.0 were designed to work with Windows 95 and were full 32-bit applications that could fully use the new features of the 486 / Pentium microprocessors . The system interface has been improved, the speed of operations has been increased, numerous new graphical features, new functions and new programming options have been introduced.

A variant of the 6.0 Standard Edition system is designed for ordinary users, which include scientists, engineers, teachers and university students who respect mathematics, but still do not consider it their main occupation. The system is focused on PCs of class 386DX and higher with a RAM capacity of at least 4 MB and free disk space of at least 12 MB for the page file and another 20 MB for installing the system itself.

The second version of the system - PLUS 6.0 - is aimed at professional users who need a more powerful mathematical assistant. To implement advanced features, RAM with a capacity of at least 8 MB becomes necessary. Mathcad PLUS 6.0 has a noticeably expanded set of functions (20 new matrix functions, 13 functions for solving differential equations of various types, a number of new statistical functions, etc.), advanced capabilities of symbolic calculations and powerful graphics. The cost of Mathcad 6.0 was $ 129, and Mathcad PLUS 6.0 was $ 495. There were also versions for students and schoolchildren (Mathcad 6.0 BASIC, $ 90), Mathcad 6.0 Standart ($ 240). For both Standart and PLUS versions, Visio Express Corporation’s Visio Express technical and business charting tool was also included.

Mathcad 7

In the version of Mathcad 7.0 PRO there were the following improvements and innovations: lack of a problem in 2000 ; an interface substantially redesigned and close to the interface of the word processor Word 95/97; highlight parts of expressions with the mouse; assigning for the first time for a given variable its value or values ​​by pressing the = key (the screen displays the assignment sign: =), when the = key is used again, its current value is displayed for the same variable; quick plotting ( QuickPlot ) of graphs in Cartesian and polar coordinates with automatic setting of limits for changes in independent variables; new palette of symbolic mathematics with advanced operators; convenient and intuitive syntax for symbolic operations; the ability to handle errors during the calculation; new instructions on error , continue , return ; use of symbolic operations in operator programs; new type of string data, constants and variables; eight new functions for working with string data; dimensional problems in the SI system; the ability to prepare complex documents by various users working in different places using Collaboratory ; the ability to exchange documents over the Internet ; the emergence of a more operational resource center ( Resource Center ) instead of “quick cheat sheets” QuickSheet , e-books, tutorial, etc .; modeling (simulation) of complex systems built from functional blocks using the MathConnex system, which has 16 components; the ability to use the functions of other systems (Excel, Axum, MATLAB, etc.) and the actual integration with them.

Some of these changes were rather from the category of pleasant things, for example, the action of the = sign was expanded (previously, to assign values ​​to variables, you only had to enter a combined sign: =). Other changes, such as integration with other systems and the use of the system integrator MathConnex , were a serious addition to the system, opened up many new opportunities.

Mathcad 8

The Mathcad 8.0 PRO version has provided a whole series of useful features: about 50 new mathematical functions (elementary, special statistical, etc.); new optimization functions maximize and minimize ; solving linear programming problems, new data type control functions; improved block for solving systems of nonlinear equations - the restriction on the total number of equations has been removed (previously there were no more than 50), now their number has reached 200; introduction of a set of numerical integration methods with the ability to select a specific method through the context menu; the possibility of binary calculations ; effective means of smoothing data; improved text input and formatting tools; editing commands Find (find) and Replace (find and replace); new ability to lock and hide areas; Improved table output the ability to record documents in HTML format; the ability to record documents in the format of previous versions; support for new graphics OpenGL and ActiveX , the use of wizards to create complex three-dimensional graphics; significantly improved graph formatting tools; viewing graphs on an enlarged scale; the use of functional surface painting; the ability to display on one three-dimensional graph surfaces and figures of various types; the ability to image on one three-dimensional graph of different objects, with intersection in space; the ability to rotate three-dimensional graphs in space with the mouse; animation of three-dimensional graphs.

Mathcad 2000 (Version 9)

The Mathcad 2000 version added a number of new and significant differences to the existing capabilities: an improved system interface, in particular, integration with the Internet, was moved to the resource center; introduced a number of new functions for financial and economic calculations, creating matrices of three-dimensional surfaces, numerical solution of differential equations in the Given block, control of the type of dimensional variables, etc .; introduced a set of functions for performing regression - exponential, logarithmic, sinusoidal, etc .; a set of logical operators is introduced; advanced features of the root function - now it can search for a root not only by a given approximation (a function with two parameters), but also in a given interval (a function with four parameters); accelerated and simplified construction of three-dimensional graphs was introduced; the inscription on blocks of documents, in particular graphic, is provided; error tracing introduced; significantly updated set of examples in the resource center; spelling control of English texts in three dialects of the English language is provided.

Mathcad 2001 (version 10)

In Mathcad 2001, computing performance has been further enhanced and features have been expanded. Implemented support for Windows 2000 . Four modifications are created taking into account the specifics of use.

Key innovations: expansion of compatibility with other popular applications; real-time processing of units of measure; limitations of recursive descent in the process of computing (gain in speed up to 5-20 times in comparison with previous versions); calculations are optimized, especially for iterations , summation, integration, and differentiation ; new logical algorithms based on dependencies on areas of variation of variables and greater consistency between analytical and numerical calculations; improved memory management and processing of objects of the working document that are deleted; New publishing mode combined with MathML- based electronic publishing capabilities Includes the latest version of IBM Techexplorer Professional Edition for reading and editing MathML , TeX, and LaTeX .

Tools for creating applications using Mathcad are significantly improved: improved scripting objects for creating new modules from programmable OLE and COM objects, as well as storing them for reuse and distribution. Standard scripting languages ​​are supported, such as VBScript and JScript .

Mathcad 2001i ("Interactive")

Mathcad 2001i received full support for Windows XP , expanded the ability to collect data from external devices, increased security of Mathcad documents by introducing modern cryptography , simplified publication on the Internet, an expanded number of algorithms for solving problems and a set of options for user settings.

Key innovations:

• The inclusion of modern file cryptography methods to protect the contents of documents until they reach the addressees, in addition, when distributing documents, the ability to block all areas of Mathcad with structures and calculations was added, that is, to distribute the results without revealing the essence of ideas. Mathcad 2001i also provided the ability for users to set new privacy options to protect against the entry of documents that are dangerous for user computer systems;
• Introduced support for collecting data from analog DAQ boards and improved compatibility with National Instruments device boards;
• Several options have been added to increase the comfort of work, based on many user requests, in particular: the option of a color grid for two-dimensional graphs, inclusion and inscriptions on three-dimensional graphs, regional settings and printing of the current page;
• Bidirectional support for MathML, support for interactive data, improved graphics and, with the help of additional Internet templates, simplified publication on the Internet;
• The new, fast and accurate Radau algorithm for solving ordinary differential equations. Blocks for solving ordinary differential equations now support systems of differential equations and differential algebraic equations, while nested blocks now support more complex optimization problems;
• Improved automation interfaces for embedded applications. New Mathcad application interfaces, working papers, windows, and areas provide a wider range of options for customizing Mathcad to perform repetitive tasks.

Mathcad 11-11.2a

When creating Mathcad 11, the main focus was on increasing the speed and power of the system. The goal was to improve the core of Mathcad, expand the system and improve its working abilities.

Key innovations:

• Advanced I / O components for importing and exporting data in the form of rows and columns, as well as read-write capabilities of mixed text-number files; deep integration with Microsoft Excel; using simple copy / paste commands, you can create and display mixed data directly in the form of matrices and tables; new read / write support for uniform, arbitrary and uniform binary format files ( READBIN and WRITEBIN ) is provided , which gives users more flexibility in data import or export operations than their conversion to ASCII codes; new support is provided for passing string data through the UserEFI interface (user-defined functions; DLL).
• Based on ODE computing blocks (for solving ordinary differential equations) Mathcad 2001i, Mathcad 11 now supports PDE computing blocks (for solving partial differential equations); new support for complex arguments of floor , ceil , round and trunc functions is provided ; added complex functions of Bessel and Hankel ; advanced features of the genfit function, which provides approximation of curves by non-linear functions of a general form; Introduced a new sinc function to calculate the exact values ​​of sin (x) / x in the limit as x approaches 0; new access to "grain" values ​​in random number generators .
• Improved RTF text format allows you to insert fragments from a Mathcad document in applications such as Microsoft Word, without additional reformatting ; improved support for the HTTP protocol , which allows you to open remote Mathcad files hosted on a Web server using the File / Open command; Improved HTML-format for inserting pages with footers , links and images into the Internet; the ability to save documents as web pages is provided.

Mathcad 12

The new version of the package received a more advanced mathematical core, as well as additional options to save and publish Mathcad documents in various formats.

Key innovations:

• Ability to trace calculations: intermediate data can be displayed both for the entire document as a whole and for its individual areas, which allows you to effectively control the execution of the Mathcad source codes.
• Additional features for publishing calculation results thanks to the new XML data format: XSL -HTML-converter allows you to generate better quality web pages; XSL-FO option allows you to save data in PDF format; inside XML, images are stored in a special, economical format, which can significantly reduce disk space for files with lots of graphics.
• The double ordinate axis on two-dimensional graphs, which allows you to represent on one graph functions that vary significantly in size, as well as increase the allowable number of graphs that can be displayed simultaneously in one block, up to 32 (compared to 16 in previous versions).
• Mathcad Application Server : forms and buttons for web applications supported by the Mathcad Application Server.
• New features for importing data from files created by other programs: support for a large number of new data formats; The READFILE function allows you to import data inside program loops .

Mathcad 13-13.1

Key innovations:

• Powerful debugging tools for programs, including the ability to insert labels and step through program cycles.
• A new autosave function eliminates the possibility of losing work done.
• The new math error index allows you to eliminate errors that could be skipped without it.
• Support for non-linear units such as Fahrenheit , Celsius and decibels ; the ability to create your own units of measurement using a simple menu.
• Significantly improved computing performance compared to previous versions.
• A powerful new class of possibilities for determining “origin” is included, which enables enterprises to accurately determine the source of specific calculations, value or result. This allows you to monitor and track work in progress.

Mathcad 14

Mathcad 14 is the first since the acquisition of Mathsoft Inc. PTC version of Mathcad (released February 12, 2007). The opportunity of two-way integration with the main product of PTC - the Pro / ENGINEER package is realized. The basic values ​​calculated in the Mathcad system can be translated into the parameters and dimensions of the CAD model to control the geometric object. Parameters from the Pro / ENGINEER model can also be entered into Mathcad for subsequent engineering calculations.

Significant changes also affected the mathematical core of the system, which now uses the MuPAD symbol system. This allowed in many cases to increase the accuracy of symbolic calculations and their granularity, but there are also negative consequences associated primarily with compatibility of symbolic algorithms with previous versions (calculations that work in previous versions may not be performed in the new one, and vice versa) .

Key innovations ^[7] :

• Internationalization: Introduced full support for Unicode fonts and Asian localization of operating systems. The interface is translated into nine languages ​​(English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, simplified and traditional Chinese), spell checking in 15 languages ​​is supported.
• 2D-graphics: added the ability to select the format for displaying numbers on scales of coordinate axes. When using the polar coordinate system, it became possible to use negative values ​​of the function on the radius.
• The toolkit for solving differential equations is supplemented by three new algorithms - according to the Adams methods , BDF ( English backward differentiation formulas, inverse differentiation formulas ) and combined Adams / BDF.
  • The new statespace function (along with the new Airy functions ) allows you to solve ODEs recorded in matrix form.
  • An operator has been added that returns the value of the gradient of the function in the form of a vector of individual derivatives of the function of many variables.
• A tandem of interface operators “...: = ... = ...”, long expected by users, has been introduced, which allows you to assign a variable to any expression and immediately display the value (result), which further approximates the recording format to the usual (non-computer) format.
• The Mathcad character processor is replenished with three functions, three keywords and nine modifiers. The result of symbolic calculations at will can be significantly detailed. Character calculations are now possible with vectorized functions.
• General functionality:
  • It is possible to compare changes in two Mathcad documents ( XMCD files), which allows you to identify mathematical and text elements that have been added, deleted or changed with the corresponding color marking. It is possible to identify changes in the results of calculations with a difference in settings and algorithms between versions of Mathcad.
  • search and replacement are possible in hidden areas of the document;
  • images can be saved in JPEG format with quality settings, which reduces the size of documents;
  • activation is replaced by the use of a license file received via the Internet during installation.

Versions of Mathcad from the 12th inclusive, due to the use of the XML data format, as well as the gradual growth of functional tools, have limited backward compatibility of documents with previous versions, but can open documents created in older versions with almost no restrictions. As a result, import also has limitations: a document created in Mathcad 14 can be saved in a format of version no lower than 11th.

Mathcad 15

Key new features:

• Added 25 functions for calculations of designing experiments ( design of experiments (DoE) ). There are also templates for conducting several experiments, in the presence of several levels of the experiment (test modes) and various conditions;
• Integration with the KnovelMath database (engineering and technical standards);
• Integration with Kornucopia software (allows you to apply process templates to evaluate field experiment data and calculation results);
• Integration with the Truenumbers database (from True Engineering Technology ), providing access to various reference materials and data (the results from Mathcad are simply transferred to various document formats, which facilitates the transfer of data to the development chain);
• Support for Microsoft Windows 7 ;
• Support for Microsoft Excel 2007;
• The explicit function works fully, that is, it displays the corresponding numerical values ​​after the formulas, which is more visual and facilitates the control of calculations.

Mathcad Prime 1.0

The main differences of the new Mathcad Prime 1.0 ^[8] :

• The user interface has been changed, which is now made in the style of the latest versions of MS Office .
• A document-oriented computing environment allows users to quickly and easily create detailed technical documents that include complex calculations using “live” math notes with text, images, and diagrams. Such documents are easily read and accepted by employees who are not familiar with this software solution, help maintain effective communication within the framework of projects and transfer of technical knowledge within the enterprise.
• A full package of additional functions of numerical mathematics (including a new package for planning the experiment) allows you to quickly and accurately solve any computational problem, saving time and money.
• Dynamic verification of dimensional quantities provides full support for dimensional quantities and units of measurement for all calculations created in Mathcad Prime 1.0. Mathcad Prime 1.0 vectors and matrices can now contain values ​​of different dimensions, which increases the efficiency of the product development process, helping to avoid many errors.
• The intuitive equation editor, working in full compliance mode (what you see on the screen, you get it on paper), allows users to describe conditions and solutions in a natural mathematical form, focusing on calculations, rather than working with a document.
• Mathcad Prime 1.0 is written on a completely new software basis, has maximum performance, as well as full support for Windows 7 and the latest release of MS Excel .

Mathcad Prime 2.0

Mathcad Prime 2.0 was released in 2012, has a number of innovations and improvements compared to its predecessor - Prime 1.0. More details about the release of Mathcad Prime 2.0 here (rus.) (Eng.)

Mathcad Prime 3.0

Mathcad Prime 3.0, released October 12, 2013, is the latest version of the Mathcad family. It has increased productivity, a user-friendly interface and a number of innovative tools that allow engineers to work even faster. More details about Mathcad Prime 3.0 here (rus.) (Eng.)

Innovations in the latest version of MathcadPrime 3.0

• Global definition operator - allows you to define a variable anywhere in the worksheet
• Mathematics in the text - allows you to enter formulas directly in the text.
• Document templates - a unique tool for repeatable calculations! - allows you to create templates for documents of any content with an unlimited number of calculations.
• Formatting formulas - allows you to focus the reader on certain points in the calculation.
• Built-in math functions
• Improved math calculations
• Excel component
• Symbolic calculations
• Improved solver module
• Improved work with 3D graphics

Read more about the latest version of Mathcad Prime on the official website of the developer - PTC.com (English), or the Russian-language website of partners

Picking

Mathcad versions may vary in features and user licenses. At different times, versions of Mathcad Professional , Mathcad Premium , and Mathcad Enterprise Edition were delivered (differ in configuration). A version of Mathcad Academic Professor is intended for academic users (it has full functionality, but differs in a user license and has several times lower cost).

For some time, simplified and noticeably “truncated” student versions of the program were also produced.

Mathcad technology was further developed during the creation of the Mathcad Application Server (MAS). The essence of MAS technology is in the implementation of remote access to Mathcad software or ready-made Mathcad documents through a web interface (Web Calc technology). The MAS user does not need to buy Mathcad, it does not need to download and run exe files (but this is not excluded and is determined by the access level).

• Processor : 32-bit or 64-bit (x86-64, EM64T) with a clock frequency of 400 MHz or higher (700 MHz recommended).
• 256 MB of RAM (1024 MB recommended).
• 1.75 GB of free disk space (350 MB for Mathcad, 1.4 GB for temporary files during installation).
• CD-ROM or DVD drive (for installation from a disc only).
• SVGA graphics card or higher.
• XGA monitor with a resolution of 1024 × 768 (or higher) with 24-bit (or more) colors.
• A mouse or other compatible pointing device.

Software:

• Operating System : Windows XP (SP1, SP2, SP3), Windows Vista (SP1), Windows 7 or Windows XP x64 (SP2), Windows Vista x64 (SP1), Windows 7 x64, Windows 8, Windows 10
• Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
• MSXML 4.0 SP2
• Microsoft Data Access Components 2.8
• Internet Explorer 5.0

• SMath Studio
• Computer numerical control

• Mathcad Resource Center
• MAS Official Website
• MAS website V. Ochkova (Russian)
• Full list of books prof. Dyakonova V.P., including 11 books on the Mathcad system (Russian)
• Video course "Higher Mathematics at Mathcad" at the Internet University of Information Technologies (rus.)
• Mathcad Resource Center
• Benchmarking MathCAD and Smath Studio Desktop
• Taranchuk V.B. The main functions of computer algebra systems (Russian) . - Minsk: BSU, 2013 .-- 59 p.
• PTC Mathcad Express - 30 Day Free Mathcad Prime 2.0 Trial