User Guide

4.2 Algebra
Maple contains a variety of commands that perform integer operations, such
as factoring and modular arithmetic, as described in Integer Opera-
tions (page 71). In addition, it supports polynomial algebra.
For information on matrix and vector algebra, see Linear Algebra (page 135).
Polynomial Algebra
A Maple polynomial is an expression in powers of an unknown. Univariate
polynomials are polynomials in one unknown, for example, .
Multivariate polynomials are polynomials in multiple unknowns, such as
x.
The coefficients can be integers, rational numbers, irrational numbers,
floating-point numbers, complex numbers, variables, or a combination of
these types.
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Arithmetic
The polynomial arithmetic operators are the standard Maple arithmetic oper-
ators excluding the division operator (/). (The division operator accepts
polynomial arguments, but does not perform polynomial division.)
Polynomial division is an important operation. The quo and rem commands
find the quotient and remainder of a polynomial division. See Table 4.2.
(The iquo and irem commands find the quotient and remainder of an integer
division. For more information, see Integer Operations (page 71).)
126 • 4 Mathematical Computations