I have an equation which I want to rearrange so one variable is on the left side by itself.
Normally, I would do this with basic algebra and identities.
However, is it possible to use Mathematica to do this for me, automatically?
Mathematica Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for users of Wolfram Mathematica. It only takes a minute to sign up.
Sign up to join this communityI have an equation which I want to rearrange so one variable is on the left side by itself.
Normally, I would do this with basic algebra and identities.
However, is it possible to use Mathematica to do this for me, automatically?
That is an extremely general question, but usually, yes.
The commonly used functions used are Solve
and Reduce
:
Reduce[x^2 + a x + 1 == 0, a]
x != 0 && a == (-1 - x^2)/x
The documentation pages linked above contain many examples. Please read these, and if necessary narrow your question to a specific difficulty or problem.
Since the question was asked, AddSides
etc *Sides
have been added to Mathematica for the purpose.
Simplify
makes some things automatically.