Symbolic Optimization

In general, Mathcad's symbolic and numeric processors don't communicate with each other. To make these two processors talk to each other for a particular expression or equation:

1. Right-click on the expression.
2. Choose Optimize from the menu.

To enable worksheet optimization, choose Optimize > Worksheet from the Tools menu.

When optimization is turned on, the symbolic processor attempts to simplify any expression to the right of an equal sign for definition (:=) or to the left of an equal sign for evaluation (=). This process can reduce calculation time and increase the accuracy of results.

If Mathcad finds a simpler form for the expression:

1. It marks the region with a red asterisk.
2. It internally replaces what you've typed with the simpler form.

If Mathcad is unable to find a simpler form for the expression, a blue asterisk is placed next to it.

For example, consider the integral:

The optimized result is identical to the result using live symbolics:

The multiplications are much less memory-intensive to perform than integration, and they are not subjected to the limitations of approximate numerical methods.

To turn off worksheet optimization, toggle the menu command, so that the checkmark is no longer visible. To disable optimization for an expression, right-click it and uncheck Optimize on the menu.

Viewing the Optimized Expression

To see the reduced, evaluated expression, double-click the asterisk or select Optimize > Show Optimization on the Tools menu. Show Optimization is enabled only if an optimized form of the equation exists.

Note:

• Equation-level optimization overrides worksheet-level optimization; if you enable worksheet optimization, you can then turn off optimization for a specific region without affecting any other optimized equations in your worksheet.