Denoting large recurring parts of an equation by a variable

Question

Suppose I have formula like the following:

(1 - x) (1 - y) + ((1 - x) (1 - y))/(z + 2)

Obviously, (1 - x) (1 - y) is found a couple of places in the formula.

How do I denote (1 - x) (1 - y) by z and thereby simplify my formula?

Answer 1

If you are looking for an automated process you may find Experimental`OptimizeExpression useful:

$Context = "Compile`"; (* improve formatting for copy *)

Experimental`OptimizeExpression[(1 - x) (1 - y) + ((1 - x) (1 - y))/(z + 2)]

Experimental`OptimizedExpression[
 Block[{$1, $2, $3, $4},
    $1 = -x; $2 = 1 + $1; $3 = -y; $4 = 1 + $3; $2 $4 + ($2 $4)/(2 + z)
 ]
]

Or perhaps a simple replacement can suit your needs:

(1 - x) (1 - y) + ((1 - x) (1 - y))/(z + 2) /. ((1 - x) (1 - y)) :> zz

zz + zz/(2 + z)

I used zz instead of z for clarity.

Answer 2

Simplify[(1 - x) (1 - y) + ((1 - x) (1 - y))/(z + 2), z == (1 - x) (1 - y)]

$$\frac{z (z+3)}{z+2}$$