I like Matlab for data analysis and scripting. Mathematica is very useful as a solver.
Problem solving using calculus and possibly other forms of maths. I got the idea that you just wrote from looking at marketing material for both packages. Thanks.
Any other info/ideas greatly appreciated.
We broke down and got DD a TI-84SE anyway, since many courses beyond algebra now require them. It has proven useful to her, even if I don't have a clue how to use it. Most modern math tutorials/help assumes use of the TI graphing calculators, much to my astonishment.
Yes, the book I'm using assumes that you have a TI-84 and gives directions for same.
I'm drawing graphs on paper at this point...which isn't ideal by any means. Though it does help give a feel for the functions.