I'm getting started with Mathematica, as I have been using Maple in the past. Is it possible to define two variables $\alpha_1, \alpha_2$ and then still use $\alpha$ as a parameter of a function and, for example, plot it.
$\alpha_1:=5$ $\alpha_2:=10$
$a:=\sum_{i=1}^{2}\alpha_i \cdot \alpha$
Plot[a,{α,0,10}]
I have found that I have to use a different variable, such as $\tilde{\alpha}$ for that to work. Any way around that?
On a side note, is it possible to have Mathematica treat an expression such as $a_b$ as one variable, but still understand subscripts on other defined variables such as $a_1, a_2, …$? I understand that the Symbolize
package is used for that, but did not quite get how to symbolize only specific expressions.
I apologize for my lack of deeper understanding in Mathematica, but that's what you get when you use something as soothing to the eye as Maple ;)