Computer algebra
Computer algebra system
Abbreviated CAS
A program that performs exact operations on symbolic mathematical expressions.
Definition
Computer algebra system
A computer algebra system (CAS) represents and transforms symbolic expressions with algorithms for supported mathematical operations.
Common operations include simplification, factorization, differentiation, integration, and exact linear algebra. Mathematica and SymPy are established examples; Axeyum implements its own selected routes in Rust.
01
Example
A CAS can differentiate x³ + 2x and return 3x² + 2 without choosing a value for x.
02
Important distinction
A CAS result is a computation. Turning it into a formal theorem requires a checker, a proof reconstruction, or another stated evidence route.
After reading this article, you should be able to
- Define CAS in the sense used on this site.
- Describe the input, output, and checking problem for a symbolic operation.