Simplify

Simplify[ expr ] fully simplifies an expression, executing any task commands in it.

Usages

`Simplify[ expr ]`

In a script, expressions are not calculated or simplified by themselves: res := 2x*x stores 2x*x as it is. Simplify[ expr ] lets the math engine simplify expr as far as possible: it calculates numbers, combines terms, evaluates comparisons and executes task commands such as Solve, Expand and Factor.

Example	in	out
Without `Simplify`.	`res := 2x*x`	`res = 2x x`
With `Simplify`.	`res := Simplify[2x*x]`	`res = 2x^2`
Calculate numbers.	`Simplify[ 2 + 3*4 ]`	`14`
Add fractions.	`Simplify[ 1/2 + 1/3 ]`	`5/6`
Exact values of standard functions.	`Simplify[ Sin[Pi] ]`	`0`
Simplify an algebraic expression.	`Simplify[ x(x+1) - x^2 ]`	`x`
Simplify a fraction.	`Simplify[ (x^2 + 4x + 3)/(x + 1) ]`	`x+3`
Each element of a list.	`Simplify[ {1+1, 2*3} ]`	`{2, 6}`
Evaluate a comparison.	`Simplify[ 2 < 4 ]`	`True`

`Simplify[ task ]`

Task commands only do their work inside Simplify. See the task commands for all tasks.

Example	in	out
Solve an equation.	`Simplify[ Solve[x^2 = 4, x] ]`	`Solution[Or[x=2, x=-2], x]`
Factor an expression.	`Simplify[ Factor[x^2 + x] ]`	`x(x+1)`
Expand brackets.	`Simplify[ Expand[(x+1)^2] ]`	$x^{2}+2x+1$

Details

What is "simplest": Simplify does not expand or factor by itself. Simplify[ x^2 + x ] stays x^2+x and Simplify[ x(x+1) ] stays x(x+1). Use Expand or Factor to choose the form.
Roots are not rewritten: Simplify[ Sqrt[8] ] stays Sqrt[8].
Script debug information: polynomial results can be shown there in an internal form, such as Poly[{1,2,1}, {2,1,0}, x] for x^2+2x+1. In the exercise, they are displayed normally.

Warning

Simplify is intended only for use within the Algebrakit script. Do not use Simplify elsewhere, such as in definitions, instructions or intermediate steps.

See also: Numerical, Substitute, Task commands