Symbolic computing (Q578835)

It is shown that symbolic computing can be effectively applied to derive actuarial formulae and used to prove theorems. Illustrating examples are given through applying the computer package MACSYMA to problems in deriving probability functions for fractional ages, deriving the power series of an annuity coefficient, calculating annuities-certain, inverting a matrix containing a variable in graduation, and providing Jensen's inequality. Using symbolic computing effectively is a first step to building expert systems in actuarial science.