The Planets tool serves as one large variable example. It simulates the orbital systems of up to ten planets, incorporating the gravitational and electro-static forces that they exert on one another. Various options, such as friction, velocity, mass and position, can be manipulated, some graphically. Several sample planet systems come with the package ready to run, allowing the user to experiment with one of the most intriguing features of the package right out of the box. The Cascade tool graphically displays the iterations of two different functions.
Users can zoom in, vary function parameters, and adjust the number of marked points.
But the most exciting part of this tool is the animation of the cascade itself. Linear systems and bifurcation are two areas of strength in the package. Users can investigate both of these important areas while using MacMath. In fact, the manual offers explicit instructions on how to do so. Weaknesses and Limitations Most of the application tools in MacMath cannot generate Postscript output, and therefore cannot be used to produce high-quality graphics for use outside the lab.