Hi all,
Quite an interesting subject, most especially for small handhelds with symbolic integration capabilities.
For those who don't know about it, this on-line symbolic integrator might be of interest to try some cases and check the results and capabilities against those of your favourite handheld:
I suggest you try this example I've concocted, to see why many times straight numerical approximations are far more preferable than using an exact symbolic expression, even if it exists in terms of elementary functions:
1/(1+x^1024)
You won't get a "Traditional Form" so try either the "Input Form" or "Output Form" and be astonished at the result. How does your handheld fare with my example ?
If it doesn't fare, try reducing the exponent from 1024 to 512, 256, 128, 64, ... , until it can cope.
Another nice example to try, this time resulting in no trigonometrics at all, is:
1/(1+x^(1/4096))
Again, marvel at the result's length and complexity, most especially when compared to those of the input, a mere 16-character in length.
Best regards from V.
Edited: 9 June 2009, 9:53 a.m.