What is an Algebraic Expression?

An algebraic expression contains numbers, fractions, trigonometric functions, exponential functions, powers and roots. An example of an algebraic expression is shown below

\[\frac{1}{3-2}+ 3 + 4\sin(\frac{\pi}{4}) + \sqrt{2} + 5^{\frac{3}{2}}\]

For an algebraic expression calculator to work, it is typically required to type the above type of math expression in, by using common symbols.

For example, the above expression would be expressed as "1/(3-2) + 3 + 4sin(pi/4) + sqrt(2) + 5^(3/2)". The most important thing to keep in mind is that the parenthesis are important when typing an algebraic expression.

Now, although parentheses location could be crucial for some expressions, the associative property can help you simplify that, for example, when there are only sums, or when there are only multiplications, in which case it won't matter whether there are parentheses or not.

For example "1/(3-2) + 3 + 4sin(pi/4) + sqrt(2) + 5^(3/2)" is not the same as typing "1/3-2 + 3 + 4sin(pi/4) + sqrt(2) + 5^(3/2)". The latter expression would be understood by the solver as

\[\frac{1}{3} - 2+ 3 + 4\sin(\frac{\pi}{4}) + \sqrt{2} + 5^{\frac{3}{2}}\]

and not as

\[\frac{1}{3-2}+ 3 + 4\sin(\frac{\pi}{4}) + \sqrt{2} + 5^{\frac{3}{2}}\]

and you would be getting an unwanted outcome, and not the one you intended. So use parentheses wisely to group terms that you intend to group.

How to use this algebra calculator?

This algebraic calculator will be useful for you when you need to deal with numeric expression. Specifically, when you need to deal with the simplification of expressions, though this calculator will give you the final answer, without the intermediate steps.

How do you solve algebraic expressions step by step?

There are several rules to consider. The main one is following the proper order of operations , using the PEMDAS rule. First you will need to remove parentheses, respecting the order of the operations. Then, you will have to reduce fractions and radicals as they appear in the expression. And then, you have to proceed somewhat recursively, as you go simplifying, because new simplifiable pieces may show up

Using this algebraic expression calculator you can compute simple stuff like the square root of 64 , the absolute value of a number, or much more complex expressions like \(\sqrt(2^3/(1/2-1/3^{1/2}))\)

Aside from this algebraic expression calculator, you can explore our section of algebra solvers and calculators to see what other calculators may be useful for you.