You realize that without the complex numbers, your system is going to be
inconsistent in fundamental ways.
For example, polynomials of degree n are supposed to have n roots (counting
multiplicities). This,
the so-called fundamental theorem of algebra, is false without complex
numbers.
Since sqrt(-1) is introduced by the quadratic formula, are you sure you want
to leave this out??
RJF
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Eno T?nisson [mailto:eno.tonisson at ut.ee]
> Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2008 8:22 PM
> To: Stavros Macrakis
> Cc: Richard Fateman
> Subject: Re: [Maxima] Square root from -1, real
>
> Hello,
>
> >> I'm writing an article "A School-Oriented Review of
> Computer Algebra
> >> Systems for Solving Equations and Simplifications. Issues
> of Domain" (for
> >> the conference TIME 2008, http://time.tut.ac.za/)
> >>
> >
> > Very interesting topic.
> >
> > Maxima does not have any built-in way of giving an error
> for sqrt(-1).
> > However, as it is an open-source system, it is possible to
> modify the
> > simplifier for exponentiation so that it will. Of course,
> to do the job
> > completely would require also modifying the simplifiers for
> log, asin, etc.
>
> Yes, my review will include also some basic expressions and equations
> related to log and asin. Different computer algebra systems
> work quite
> differently. It would be useful to analyze different ways and
> compose the
> suitable and consistent one for Maxima. Hopefully, my review
> will helpful.
>
> Could I send you the part of the review that related to
> Maxima next week?
> And could you send me your corrections and comments?
>
> With the best wishes
>
> Eno
>