20
$\begingroup$

If you take a look at WolframAlpha, or other computer algebraic system, you will find that it is able to do symbolic manipulation like real humans.

For example, if you type in an integral, it can show you step by step on how to solve the integration.

What are the algorithms behind all this?

asked Feb 10, 2011 at 3:27
$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

21
$\begingroup$

The algorithms behind symbolic integration (due to Liouville, Ritt, Risch, Bronstein et al.) are discussed in prior questions here, e.g. the transcendental case and algebraic case.

For general references on symbolic computation see any of the standard texbooks, e.g. Geddes et al. Algorithms for computer algebra, Grabmeier et al: Computer algebra handbook,von zur Gathen: Modern computer algebra, and Zippel: Effective polynomial computation, and many other books. See also the Journal of Symbolic Computation and various conferences: SIGSAM ISSAC, EUROCAL, etc.

answered Feb 10, 2011 at 4:25
$\endgroup$
3
  • $\begingroup$ Don't forget A=B, which can be downloaded for free at math.upenn.edu/~wilf/AeqB.html. $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 10, 2011 at 5:08
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @Yuval: I didn't mention books devoted to specific topics since the OP didn't mention their specific interests (besides integration). Note that my list of general textbooks is far form complete - it's off the top of my head, late at night (and probably biased since I was a Macsyma developer). $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 10, 2011 at 5:13
  • $\begingroup$ I don't think the WolframAlpha step-by-step integration is using the Risch algorithm. It's likely just using a rules based system with pattern matching. $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 9, 2015 at 17:10

You must log in to answer this question.

Start asking to get answers

Find the answer to your question by asking.

Ask question

Explore related questions

See similar questions with these tags.