Equality in computer algebra and beyond

Equality is such a fundamental concept in mathematics that, in fact, we seldom explore it in detail, and tend to regard it as trivial. When it is shown to be non-trivial, we are often surprised. As is often the case, the computerization of mathematical computation in computer algebra systems on the one hand, and mathematical reasoning in theorem provers on the other hand, forces us to explore the issue of equality in greater detail. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.