On 8/7/2011 2:38 PM, James Cloos wrote:
> Can one write in maxima notation the TeX:
>
> $$ B_i^{n}(t) $$
>
> as that is used, eg, for Bernstein basis functions?
>
> Or would one have to work with and alternate notation, such as B[i,n](t)?
>
> -JimC
Given that you have full access to the parser and the display, you could
implement
almost any notation. However, B[i]^n would not be a great idea as
input, unless
you wish for B[i]^0 to be simplified to 1.
You could use as input something like bernstein(i,n,t) and alter the
display program
to do something special with this.
Most likely, a sensible thing to do is to just use b(i,n,t) or perhaps
b[i,n](t)
and get on with whatever you want to do with Bernstein functions.
Unless you are
insistent on seeing the notation just-so, and want to fiddle with the
programs, in which
case you are certainly welcome to do that.
I once worked with a mathematician who essentially refused to use
computer algebra systems because keyboards did not have keys for
particular symbols like alpha, partial derivative, etc. His usefulness
(to my project) was severely limited by this obsession with notational
exactitude.
RJF