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simplify

simplify(expr)

simplify(expr, rules)

Try it yourself:

See also:
derivative parse rationalize resolve

Reduce symbolic expressions with simplify

simplify(expr) rewrites an expression into an equivalent, usually shorter or clearer form. It applies algebraic identities, combines constants, and removes unnecessary operations while retaining symbolic structure.

Example workflow

Simplify can turn x + x into 2*x and reduce obvious constant arithmetic. Use parse to inspect expression syntax, expand when multiplied-out terms are needed, and symbolicEqual to compare forms.

Important caveats

Equivalent forms are not always equally useful: expansion may increase size, and assumptions about domains can affect transformations. Simplification does not substitute unknown variables; use evaluate after providing values. Keep the original formula when its factored structure or restrictions matter.

Try Simplify in Calcul.io

Start with one of the editable examples above, then replace its arguments with your own values. Keeping the function on a separate calculator line makes the input and result easy to compare. For a longer workflow, assign the result to a variable or reference that line in the next expression.

Check the shown signature before adding optional arguments, and use the related-function links to compare operations with similar purposes.

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