A computer algebra system(CAS)or symbolmanipulation systemisacomputerprogramthatperformssymbolicmathematicaloperations.InFigure1.1weshowaninteractivedialoguewiththeMaplecomputeralgebra systemdevelopedbyWaterlooMapleInc.Thestatementsthatareprecededbytheprompt(>)areinputstothesystemthatareenteredata computerworkstation.Thecommandsfactor,convert,compoly,and simplifyareexamplesofmathematicaloperatorsintheMaplesystem.In responsetothesestatements,theprogramperformsamathematicaloperationanddisplaystheresultusinganotationthatissimilartoordinary mathematicalnotation.