Do Basic Algebra with Mathematica

Factoring Expressions

You can easily manipulate algebraic expressions using dozens of built-in functions. This example multiplies the two parts of an expression together.

Factor allows you to take apart the resulting answer.

Factor does not introduce algebraic expressions that were not originally present in the input.

The Extension option is a very powerful element that allows you to specify the algebraic expressions needed to factor certain polynomials. The following example demonstrates the use of the Extension option in a simple polynomial.

Solving Equations

The Solve command allows you to solve an equation or set of equations for the values of the respective variables. The simple example that follows solves 3x² = 8 for x.

You can solve expressions symbolically as well. Here is the familiar quadratic formula.

You can also solve a system of equations for the variables that you specify.