va := Pi;
ra := a*(1-e^2)/(1+e*cos(va));
                                     Pi
                                 6717.691428
va := Pi;
ra := a(1-e^2)/(1+e*cos(va));
                                     Pi
                                 23532.13708

I just noticed this working on my next problem.  what could possibly going on that causes the lack of a * to change the answer so much?  is maple horrible at the order of operations?  or is there another way to input information to avoid these little surprises?

va := Pi;
ra := a*(1-e^2)/(1+e*cos(va));
                                     Pi
                                 6717.691428
va := Pi;
ra := a(1-e^2)/(1+e*cos(va));
                                     Pi
                                 23532.13708

I just noticed this working on my next problem.  what could possibly going on that causes the lack of a * to change the answer so much?  is maple horrible at the order of operations?  or is there another way to input information to avoid these little surprises?

good lord do i feel stupid now.  that didn't fix the 1d input, but the 2d input kicked it out immediately.  Thanks alot!  i've been banging my head against the wall for days.

good lord do i feel stupid now.  that didn't fix the 1d input, but the 2d input kicked it out immediately.  Thanks alot!  i've been banging my head against the wall for days.