pattern recognition



Martin Schulte wrote:
> Hello,
> is there something like 'pattern recognition' implement in MAXIMA.
> A simple example, I have the function DIFF(f,x), which knows the rules 
> for the derivation of products and quotients. Is it possible, that 
> MAXIMA identifys the typ of f (product, quotient, composite)? How is the 
> MAXIMA internal design of a function?
> Thanks for help,

Yes, maxima has some pattern recognition.  The stuff for rules 
implements some pattern recognition.

Also op can help you with identifying the type.

op(a + b + c) -> +

See the documentation for op, defrule, tellsimp, and related functions. 
  Perhaps that has what you want.

Perhaps others who know this far better than I can give some hints too.

Ray