Are you perhaps looking for [`AlgebraicNumberPolynomial`](http://reference.wolfram.com/mathematica/ref/AlgebraicNumberPolynomial.html)? AlgebraicNumberPolynomial[AlgebraicNumber[1/2 (1 + Sqrt[5]), {-3, 2}], HoldForm[q]] > -3 + 2 q The question states: "... *show* algebraic numbers" and "I would like to *view* ..." If you would like to display the `AlgebraicNumber` expression this way but retain its full syntax you can use a formatting function. You typically have several choices including [`Format`](http://reference.wolfram.com/mathematica/ref/Format.html), [`MakeBoxes`](http://reference.wolfram.com/mathematica/ref/MakeBoxes.html), and [`$PrePrint`](http://reference.wolfram.com/mathematica/ref/$PrePrint.html). `MakeBoxes` is usually [preferred][1] for robustness and performance. For example: MakeBoxes[p : AlgebraicNumber[_, {__}], fmt_] := ToBoxes[Interpretation[AlgebraicNumberPolynomial[p, HoldForm @ q], p], fmt] Now: AlgebraicNumber[1/2 (1 + Sqrt[5]), {-3, 2}] > -3 + 2 q % // InputForm > AlgebraicNumber[(1 + Sqrt[5])/2, {-3, 2}] [1]: http://stackoverflow.com/a/4119830/618728