Re: [Maxima-bugs] [ maxima-Bugs-1407378 ] polarform returns a rectangular expression for float argumen

>
> (although i wonder why cabs is not the same things as abs.
> not immediately relevant here.)


Because abs is a mathematical function with simplification rules (like sin,
etc.) and cabs is a formula-manipulation function which changes the form of
its argument (like factor) and tries to give an explicit formula for the
abs, avoiding abs/cabs in the result when possible.  Also because abs
assumes that not only are all variables real, but so are all function
values.  (These are standard Maxima assumptions.)

Here are some examples of the difference:

      abs(asin(x)) => abs(asin(x))

      cabs(asin(x)) => (questions about value of x p;n;) =>
                sqrt(log(sqrt(x^2-1)+x)^2+%pi^2/4)