Symbolic and algebraic manipulation for solving differential equations

Abstract

Two symbolic and algebraic manipulation programs written in LISP 1.5 are presented for the solution of differential equations. The program LORDE is based on an exact method for solving higher order linear differential equations with constant coefficients and linear boundary conditions. The program TRIALSOLUTIONS is based on a variational technique for testing and evaluating assumed trial solutions of linear elliptical partial differential equations with variable coefficients. The formula pattern recognition and formula manipulation techniques are discussed, and examples are presented to illustrate the problem solving capabilities of these programs.