The PEM approach is built upon POLYMATH which is a proven computational system that has provided easy-to-use problem solving on personal computers for over 25 years. Capabilities include Linear Equations, Nonlinear Equations, Differential Equations, and Data Analysis including Regressions. POLYMATH enables users to easily achieve effective solutions to numerical problems during interactive problem solving. Graphical and tabular results are provided for easy presentation of results and for incorporation into papers and reports. POLYMATH has a minimal learning curve and provides extensive error checking during problem entry that leads to great efficiency in problem solution.

The Excel options for problem solving within the PEM System is enabled partly by the UNIQUE capability of POLYMATH to automatically export any problem and create an Excel spreadsheet with a single key press. Thus problems can be solved completely in Polymath or exported to Excel for solution. A POLYMATH ODE_Solver Add-In is included and allows for the solution of ordinary differential equations in Excel. Automatic problem export from Polymath to Excel includes the conversion of all intrinsic functions and logical variables.

The MATLAB options within PEM enable advanced problem solving that facilitated by POLYMATH's ability to output problem solution code specifically for MATLAB. This code can be directly incorporated into “m” files. Polymath automatically translates the problem into ordered equations in MATLAB code including logical variables and intrinsic functions. Templates are available that allow easy problem solution in MATLAB, and this coding can provide the basis for more advanced MATLAB use. This approach can be very helpful for novice or experienced MATLAB users.

More details and assorted chemical and biochemical engineering problems that are solved with POLYMATH, Excel, and MATLAB are available from:

http://www.polymath-software.com/