PolyMath

What is PolyMath

From polymath-software.com:
POLYMATH is a proven computational system that has been specifically created for educational or professional use. The various POLYMATH programs allow the user to apply effective numerical analysis techniques during interactive problem solving on personal computers. Results are presented graphically for easy understanding and for incorporation into papers and reports. Engineers, mathematicians, scientists, students, or anyone with a need to solve problems will appreciate the efficiency and speed of problem solution.

PolyMath utilizes a color-coded full-screen editor. All displays have been optimized for user efficiency. Also provided with Polymath 6.1 is the UNIQUE capability to automatically export any POLYMATH problem to Excel with a single keypress. Thus problems can be solved completely in Polymath or exported to ExcelTM for solution. A POLYMATH ODE_Solver Add-In is included for solving ordinary differential equations in Excel. Automatic export to Excel includes all intrinsic functions and logical variables. Ordered equations can also be provided to assist with optional MatlabTM solutions of POLYMATH problems.

PolyMath PC also has an option to automatically create and export PolyMath problems to Excel as working spreadsheets. Problems can be solved completely in PolyMath PC or a problem can be exported to Excel and in the process can automatically yield a working stand-alone Excel spreadsheet. In problems involving nonlinear equations, the Excel Add-In called 'Solver' that must be installed for use in the Excel spreadsheet for solving the nonlinear equations. For systems of ordinary differential equations, PolyMath Software has developed and provides an Excel Add-In called ODE_Solver.xla. This Add-in must be installed from the installed PolyMath PC software into the Excel software, and the details are discussed in the link below. This useful Add-in can also be used as stand-alone in Excel to effectively solve systems of differential equations with popular algorithms.

Supported Operating Systems

Available only for Windows. Note: This will not run on M1 Macs even in a virtual machine like Parallels

VPN requirement

Connection to campus VPN is not required.

Downloading and Installing PolyMath

UA faculty and students can download and install it using this link: https://alabama.box.com/s/8q24zne3fte78w2zwvkndadlti3hpraq

Installing The Excel Add-in

Office 2016 - From the Excel program, you should click on the File option. From the bottom of the left side menu of the Open window, select Options and then select Add-Ins. From the Excel Options window, select Add-ins and select Excel Add-ins within the Manage box at the bottom of the window. Then click Go.... In the Add-Ins window, click on 'Browse...' button to locate the ODE_Solver Add-In file that is named 'ODE_Solver.xla'. This file is usually found in the default directory for Polymath (or in some other location as specified during installation). The default location C:\Program Files (x86)\Polymath Software\Polymath EDU Site 2017-18\. The identification of ODE_Solver file when you Browse will make it available to Excel as an Add-In under the Add-Ins tab in Excel 2016. There may be interferences between 'ODE_Solver' Add-In and the 'Solver Add-In' provided within Excel 2016 such that the 'Solver' Add-in may not work properly. Note that the 'Solver Add-In' is used in the solution of nonlinear equations within Excel. Please only check the Add-In you desire to use for a particular Excel problem in the Add-Ins available box as shown above.