Today in the world there are many software products focused on the calculation of algebraic problems. However, only a small number of them have a computer-aided design data calculation system on board. Mathcad is an advanced technology program in this area. In fact, it is a monopolist in the settlement and software market.
In the presented article we will study in detail what “Matkad” is, what functions this software has, how to work in it. We will also find out how this program differs from other settlement applications.
What is Mathcad?
In order to find out what the Mathcad system is, first of all it is worth giving a definition to this program. Thus, it will be possible to figure out what it is. It is also worth paying attention to what the work of the presented software is oriented to. Mathcad is, first of all, software for carrying out calculations, focused on a computer-aided design system.
The main range of actions is aimed at the preparation of interactive documents, with calculations and visualized support. One of the most significant advantages of the program is its compatibility on one worksheet with text, calculations, graphs and images.
As you can see from the previous paragraph, the application is used to calculate various data, formulas and graphs. By the way, software is indispensable in technical universities. With its help, many calculations are carried out related to the design of models and work with engineering calculations. The application is an effective tool not only in the educational program, it is also very relevant for leading engineers in various industries.
The main differences between Mathcad and other calculation programs
In order to find out the main differences between Matkad and software of a similar spectrum of action, it is enough to turn to the advantages of the program considered in this review. It is possible to refer to advantages first of all because analogues do not have the functional and visual combinations that Mathcad combines.
So, let's explore the main advantages of Mathcad over analogues:
- A simple interface that can be understood on an intuitive level.
- A large database of reference information, both engineering and mathematical.
- The presence of editors for formulas, text, and graphical analytic objects.
- Automatic conversion of one unit of measure to another.
- Ability to calculate symbolic, numerical values.
- Perform operations with scalar, matrix, and vector quantities.
- The ability to build two and three-dimensional graphic functions.
- The control and recalculation of dimensions in different measurement systems is automatically carried out.
- The number of users in the world is over 2 million.
The above advantages reflect only a small part of the innovative functionality concentrated in one program. Note the fact that the figure in the list of 2 million is significant. After all, the main users are educational institutions, industrial companies, as well as various design centers.
Previous and current versions of the program
The first release of the Matkad program was in 1986. The first version of software 1.0 performed its work in the DOS operating system. Already the initial versions of the program allowed the construction of 2D-graphs and the use of dimensions in the calculations. Starting with the second version, Mathcad was also available for Windows.
Up to version 13.1, the mathematical capabilities of the program were based on a subset of Maple Kernel Mathsoft computer algebra (MKP). Starting with version 14, Matkad received a new MuPAD symbol core. In 2006, Mathsoft Inc. was acquired by Parametric Technology Corporation (PTS), under whose wing there was a release of the 14th version - PTC Mathcad. Software update ended on the 15th model, after which he got a new name - Prime. The interface shell has also undergone changes.
Today, there is already the fifth version of Mathcad Prime. In a new shell - Prime, Matkad received a new interface similar to MS Office, thereby acquiring full software compatibility first with the seventh operating system from Microsoft. The fifth version of the program can be brought under the Mathcad template for Windows 10.
Key Features of Mathcad
Among all the features of the program, we single out the most basic ones. We list some of the Mathcad functions in the list below:
- Approximation of curves.
- Building 2D and 3D models in various coordinate systems.
- Integration with automatic design systems and the use of calculation results as the main parameters.
- Calculations in various measurement systems.
- Calculations of statistics and probability theory.
- Execution of routines.
- The use of the Greek alphabet in the calculations.
- Possibility of documentation of all calculations and calculations.
This is only a small part of the entire functionality of the program. In order to feel all the possibilities of Mathcad solutions, you should try to use the software yourself.
Integration of Mathcad with other programs
The basic principle of integration in Mathcad is tied to the mutual document management among various products, users and systems to carry out work on one active sheet. Matkad is a program that works seamlessly with other official software from PTC Creo, which is based on computer-aided design (CAD), control (CAM), and design (CAE) systems.
Matkad software is also easily integrated with software from other manufacturers, for example, with programs such as MS Excel, MatLab, MatWerks, Smart Sketch, etc. This provides convenience when working with calculations that can be transferred to other applications and vice versa, which, in turn, provides even greater efficiency when working with calculations, graphs, and various kinds of models for constructing quantities and coordinate systems.
Mathcad System Requirements
In order to understand whether you can work with this software, you should know its system requirements. Naturally, in the first versions the requirements for the system were insignificant, as well as the capabilities of a computer in those days, which was called an electronic computer. Newer versions, in turn, have become much more demanding on PC hardware, but not as critical as the requirements of many applications in the field of image processing and object design. By the way, it can be noted that there is a Russian version of Mathcad with all available tools for working in the program.
So, let's find out the system requirements that must match the existing versions of Matkada:
- The processor is a 32-bit or 64-bit 2-core processor with a clock frequency of 800 MHz or higher, depending on the version (1.5 MHz recommended).
- From 256 MB of RAM (2 GB recommended).
- 1.75 GB of free disk space (350 MB for Mathcad, 1.4 GB for temporary files during installation).
- CD-ROM or DVD drive (for installation from a disc only).
- SVGA graphics card or higher.
- XGA monitor with a resolution of 1024 × 768 (or more) with 24-bit (or more) colors.
- A mouse or other compatible pointing device.
Software:
- Operating system Windows XP (SP1, SP2, SP3), Windows Vista (SP1), Windows 7 or Windows XP x64 (SP2), Windows Vista x64 (SP1), Windows 7 x64, Windows 8 (x64), Windows 10 (x64) .
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
- MSXML 4.0 SP2
- Microsoft Data Access Components 2.8
- Internet Explorer 5.0 and higher.
Key Tools in Mathcad
Like every program, Mathcad has a toolbar. Above, the article described the features and capabilities of the application. Now it’s worth figuring out what basic tools for work it has. The toolbar consists of four main components:
- Standard - is necessary to perform a large number of operations, such as working with files, editing typed material, inserting objects, etc.
- Formatting - to format text and formulas.
- Math - to insert mathematical symbols and operators into working documents.
- Resources - to call Matkad resources.
Math Toolbar in Mathcad
In addition to the main toolbar, Matkad also has an expanded mathematical panel for working with various computational operations. It includes:
- "Calculator" - inserts the basic mathematical operations.
- "Chart" - is used to insert charts.
- "Matrix" - is necessary to insert matrix operators and directly matrices.
- "Expressions" - is used for the operation of operators of computational control.
- "Calculations" - gives access to insert the operators of integration, differentiation, summation.
- "Boolean logical operators" - for placing logical operators in a document.
- "Programming" - for the implementation of programming by means of "Matkad".
- "Greek characters" - for working with Greek characters.
- "Symbolic" - for working with symbolic operators.
Thus, you have learned what the toolbars in the Matkad program consist of. Now you can easily deal with the work in the environment of the described software.
Implementation and training in the Mathcad software environment
Mathcad is a program that is widely distributed around the world primarily due to its functionality. Many companies involved in the programming of various software also conduct training and implementation of their product. Parametric Technology Corporation (PTS) is no exception. It is she who introduces the product to the employees of the company or company that agreed to the use of software.
Parametric Technology Corporation is a globally recognized and certified company for the training and distribution of its product. Training is carried out using a patented methodology (PTC), as well as adapted to the characteristics of the enterprise. The head in the direction of training and implementation is Dmitry Kiryanov, who has 15 years of experience working with such software. Online courses are available with video training on working with the described software.
How to work in Mathcad
Mathcad is not the easiest, but not the most difficult program. You need to have certain skills in working with such software. If you have no experience, as mentioned above, there are courses and video tutorials. In order to use the functions of the program, you must master the skills to use the toolbar and built-in operators. Naturally, after reading a few sentences, you won’t be able to learn how to work in such a program, so you should make efforts to master all the subtleties of working with the Matkada functionality.
Conclusion
Based on the information above, you were able to find out what constitutes a program for solving computer algebra problems, focused on a computer-aided design system. Also, the material presented addressed the Matkada functionality and its systemic capabilities for performing certain tasks. Summing up, we can say that the key question about what Mathcad was was considered in detail in the article.