Quick-Start Guide

When you enter an equation into the calculator, the calculator will begin by expanding (simplifying) the problem. Then it will attempt to solve the equation by using one or more of the following: addition, subtraction, division, taking the square root of each side, factoring, and completing the square.

Variables

Any lowercase letter may be used as a variable.

Exponents

Exponents are supported on variables using the ^ (caret) symbol. For example, to express x², enter x^2. Note: exponents must be positive integers, no negatives, decimals, or variables. Exponents may not currently be placed on numbers, brackets, or parentheses.

Parentheses and Brackets

Parentheses ( ) and brackets [ ] may be used to group terms as in a standard equation or expression.

Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction

For addition and subtraction, use the standard + and - symbols respectively. For multiplication, use the * symbol. A * symbol is not necessiary when multiplying a number by a variable. For instance: 2 * x can also be entered as 2x. Similarly, 2 * (x + 5) can also be entered as 2(x + 5); 2x * (5) can be entered as 2x(5). The * is also optional when multiplying with parentheses, example: (x + 1)(x - 1).

Order of Operations

The calculator follows the standard order of operations taught by most algebra books - Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction. The only exception is that division is not currently supported; attempts to use the / symbol will result in an error.

Division, Square Root, Radicals, Fractions

The above features are not supported at this time. A future release will add this functionality.