To Calculus Students

If you will be taking Math 10, 11a, 11b, 12, 13, 15, 17, or Integrated Math/Physics 12 this term, we have an option to present to you. These courses use various versions of a calculus book by Howard Anton, published by Wiley. (There is a "brief version," "version 3," and a "complete version.") Consult the bookstore or your instructor to determine the correct book for you.

There is a mathematical software package produced by Wolfram Research called "Mathematica." Wiley and Wolfram have an agreement to make a student version of Mathematica available at a reduced rate to students who purchase Anton's book. You have the option of buying just the textbook, or buying the textbook along with Mathematica. Here are some questions and answers that will help you decide.

What is Mathematica?

Mathematica is an extremely powerful software package that is being used in a number of mathematics (and other) classes at Union College. It graphs functions, does many many types of computations, can produce animations in two or three dimensions, and much more.

Is it available for all platforms?

The student version of Mathematica is available for Macs and PCs.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the brief version of Anton's book is approximately $87. The additional cost for the student version of Mathematica, as part of a package with the book, is approximately $87. Thus, the cost of the package is approximately $174.

The cost of volume three of Anton's book is approximately $38. The additional cost for the student version of Mathematica, as part of a package with Anton's book, is approximately $94. Thus, the cost of the package is approximately$132.

The cost of the complete version of Anton's book is approximately $108. The additional cost for the student version of Mathematica, as part of a package with Anton's book, is approximately $66. Thus, the cost of the package is approximately $174.

The price of the student version of Mathematica, if purchased separately, is approximately $140.

Do I have to buy Mathematica?

No! There is no requirement that you buy Mathematica. Indeed, some Union College mathematics classes use Mathematica and some do not. If you are in a class that does use Mathematica, you still do not need your own copy; Mathematica is available at many computers on campus. On the other hand, even if your class does not use Mathematica, you may find that Mathematica is a valuable tool to have anyway.

What kind of computer do I need?

There is no requirement that you own a computer. However, if you have a computer or think you might be buying one in the next few years, here is what you will need to run the current student version of Mathematica, which is version 3:

either

1. a Macintosh with:

   System: 7.1.2 or higher
   Hard Disk Space: 80 MB recommended, 55 MB minimum
   RAM: 12 MB recommended, 9 MB minimum

or

2. a PC with:

   System: Windows 95, NT 3.51, or higher
   Hard Disk Space: 96 MB recommended, 30 MB minimum
   RAM: 16 MB recommended, 8 MB minimum

Mathematica version 3 is only available on CD (i.e., it is not available on floppy disks)

If I do not buy Mathematica at the start of the term, can I change my mind and purchase it later?

Yes you can, if you change your mind quickly, keep your receipt, and do not put any marks in your book. If you change your mind in the first week of the term, you can return your book to the bookstore to get the "book/Mathematica" package. This silly sounding rule of exchanging one book for another must be observed to satisfy certain legal details. So, if you think there is even a remote possibility that you will change your mind, be sure to not mark up your book and to save your receipt.

Summary:

You need not own a computer and, if you do own a computer, you need not purchase Mathematica. However, given the increasing usefulness of Mathematica, we urge you to consider this option.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Julius Barbanel
Department of Mathematics
Union College
Schenectady, NY 12308

phone: 518-388-6524

e-mail: barbanej@union.edu

Union College Math Department Home Page Comments to: math@union.edu Created: Jun 19 1997 --- Last modified: Jan 3, 2000 10:11:32 AM