simplifying predicates



-----maxima-bounces at math.utexas.edu wrote: -----

>I'm 100% in favor of nonliteral predicates, but I can't figure out
>how to distinguish literal from nonliteral tests.

I don't know much about either Maple or Mathematica; nevertheless:

 (1) http://reference.wolfram.com/mathematica/ref/OddQ.html

 (2) I think Maple uses type(xxx, odd) for a literal check for
     oddness; Maple uses is(xxx,odd) as a non-simplifying nonliteral check
     for oddness.

Can we do better?

--Barton