Hello,
I would like to write some functions and algebra that work with dual numbers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_number
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_quaternion
I have not found a library that supports this.
The basis of dual numbers it is epsilon^2=0, similar to i,j,k in complex algebra where i^2=-1,i*j=-1 etc.
I never made a module in Maple yet, I believe and hope I can define this algebra in a worksheet.
So I tried dabbling with statements such as ( 'ep' below is the greek '&epsilon' letter ):
assume(ep*ep=0)
assume(ep^2=0)
f:=1+ep*4
g:=1-ep
But, I did not get far because even up to this stage, I do not know how to get maple to assume e^2=0 and simplify my expressions accordingly.
For example
expand(d*f)
just gives me
1+5*ep+4*ep^2
but I want the 4*ep^2 to disappear because I am assuming ep^2=0.
Not happening, so what else do I have to do ?
Is there another way I can define special constants such as i,j,k for complex numbers for my own algebra ?
Is there a way I can tell assume function that ep,'&epsilon' is pure symbolic ?
Any suggestions on writing a module if that is the only way ?
Thanks.