Maple 12 Enhances Math Engine, Builds on Engineering Tools

• By David Nagel
• 05/06/08

Math software developer Maplesoft has released Maple 12, a long-anticipated update to the company's flagship math application for Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, and Solaris. The new version features an enhanced mathematics engine, new tools for engineers, and features that are designed to make the program easier to use in instructional settings.

Maple is a software tool for solving complex math problems, developing mathematical models, and, of course, teaching math. Couple with Maple T.A., Maplesoft-MAA Placement Test Suite, and Maple eBooks and Study Guides, it also provides assessments, placement tests, and learning materials, including electronic versions of math textbooks.

Maple 12 expands on the previous release with what the company calls "clickable math," a set of shortcuts designed to "eliminate the traditional complex command sets that still encumber other math systems." Some of the new features include:

• Additional plot types, including dual axis plots, polar plots, and specialized engineering plots;
• An Exploration Assistant for creating interactive "mini-applications";
• Document templates;
• Improved palettes, task templates, and drawing canvas;
• New interactive dials and gauges;
• Integration with CAD systems;
• MATLAB code import;
• New plotting functionality; and
• An improved math engine, including an updated Student Vector Calculus package and improvements to various solvers, including differential equations, partial differential equations, and differential algebraic equations.

The new version also includes a Teacher Resource Center and a Maple Student Portal, which provide training resources, media, applications, and templates.

Maple 12 is available now for $995 for a single-user academic license. Upgrade, volume, and student pricing are also available. Further information, including system requirements for the new version, can be found here.