wxMaxima

wxMaxima is actually a user interface for maxima

-press shift enter to evaluate expressions

-How to prevent simplification/calculation of an equation in wxMaxima. One might want to do this if one wants to see the input output in a nice pretty looking form suitable for something like a LaTeX document or for obtaining an image. --use the command "simp:false" and then enter the expression on the new line so that it will not be evaluated. To turn evaluation back on set "simp:true: ---solution from here: http://haftendorn.uni-lueneburg.de/mathe-lehramt/computer/maxima/lern/calc-how-to.html --note that a single quote mark like ' can prevent evaluation, but this does not prevent "simplification" and numerical calculations are considered simplification.

-to force decimals enclose the command in "float". --ex: float(3+2.5). --source: http://home.southernct.edu/~brinl1/mat10705/wxmaximaLab1.pdf "Any time wxMaxima gives you a fraction when you want a decimal equivalent, you can use the float command."

-to control number of decimals displayed use "fpprintprec:4" (a different number can be used instead of 4)

-to force scientific notation use the "bfloat" command --ex: bfloat(3e6*0.12)