Maybe what you want to do is
G(x):=''diff(f(x),x);
That way g(x) will be defined as 2*x.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: maxima-bounces at math.utexas.edu
> [mailto:maxima-bounces at math.utexas.edu] On Behalf Of sen1 at math.msu.edu
> Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2007 3:48 AM
> To: maxima at math.utexas.edu
> Subject: evaluations of derivative functions
>
> Hello,
> I have a question about how maxima handles function definitions and
> derivatives. I am mainly interested in plotting functions
> associated
> with other functions
>
> For instance, consider the following lines.
>
> (%i1) f(x):= x^2;
> 2
> (%o1) f(x) := x
> (%i2) g(x):= diff(f(x),x);
> (%o2) g(x) := diff(f(x), x)
> (%i3) g(2);
>
> Non-variable 2nd argument to diff:
> 2
> #0: g(x=2)
> -- an error. To debug this try debugmode(true);
> (%i4) g(t):= subst(x=t,diff(f(x),x));
> (%o4) g(t) := subst(x = t, diff(f(x), x))
> (%i5) g(t);
> (%o5) 2 t
> (%i6) g(x);
> (%o6) 2 x
> (%i7) g(2);
> (%o7) 4
>
>
> Why is it necessary to put in the 'subst' command? Is there a better
> way to do this?
>
> TIA,
> -sen
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> -------------
> | Sheldon E. Newhouse | e-mail:
> sen1 at math.msu.edu |
> | Mathematics Department |
> |
> | Michigan State University | telephone: 517-355-9684
> |
> | E. Lansing, MI 48824-1027 USA | FAX: 517-432-1562
> |
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