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I would like Mathematica to Simplify all further expressions with Abs[#]^2& to #^2& is there a way i can do that?

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    $\begingroup$ /.Abs[x_]^2:>x^2 $\endgroup$
    – Αλέξανδρος Ζεγγ
    Commented Nov 29, 2017 at 13:31
  • $\begingroup$ yes but then i need to do this replacement rule in every expression right? I would like somehow that Mathematica does this automatically. I would like something like: Abs[#]^2&=#^2& $\endgroup$
    – Mr Puh
    Commented Nov 29, 2017 at 13:37
  • $\begingroup$ You might try one of the $Pre values ($Pre,$PreRead,$PrePrint) e.g. $Pre=(# /. Abs[x_]^2 :> x^2) &. This applies your rule to every input expression. I admit I don't have much experience with these, so I can't comment on unintended consequences. $\endgroup$
    – N.J.Evans
    Commented Nov 29, 2017 at 14:05
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    $\begingroup$ This is highly risky since Abs[x]^2 == x^2 is only valid for real x. Since Mathematica generally operates in the complex plane, you are likely to generate problems. Specify real variables in $Assumptions and any function that accepts assumptions (e.g., Simplify) will make the simplification that you want for real values. $\endgroup$
    – Bob Hanlon
    Commented Nov 29, 2017 at 14:14
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    $\begingroup$ Have you tried to replace Abs by RealAbs? $\endgroup$
    – user64494
    Commented Nov 29, 2017 at 15:36

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
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This can be done quite simply, but note the warnings below.

(* This works, but it is a bad idea: *)
Unprotect[Abs];
Abs /: Abs[x_]^k_ /; TrueQ[k == 2] := x^2;
Protect[Abs];

Abs[x]^2

x^2

Warnings

Although this looks nice if you're used to working with real numbers, it's a bad idea. Here are a few examples of why:

Abs[x*I + 3]^2

(x*I + 3)^2 (* This is clearly wrong *)

{Abs[x*I + 3]^2 /. x -> 2, (Abs[x*I + 3] /. x -> 2)^2}

{5 + 12*I, 13} (* These should be the same *)

Additionally, it is very difficult to intuit where and how the Mathematica internals use rules like this to simplify things during calls to functions like D, Simplify, Solve, etc. It's likely that a call to Integrate will fail or be wrong after this rule is added because of some interaction happening in the Mathematica guts. In short: do this only if you know why and what you're doing; if you don't feel that there is an alternative, at least do it for a limited scope by using the Block form:

Block[
 {Abs},
 Abs /: Abs[x_]^k_ /; TrueQ[k == 2] := x^2;
 (* code here obeys the above rule *)
 Abs[x]^2]

x^2

(* Code outside the Block uses the original Abs *)
Abs[x]^2

Abs[x]^2

Better

A far better idea is to go with Bob Hanlon's comment/suggestions to correctly state your $Assumptions and use Simplify and Refine.

Block[
 {$Assumptions = Element[x, Reals]},
 Simplify[Abs[x]^2]]

x^2

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