Maple 9 Learning Guide - Maplesoft

156 • Chapter 6: Evaluation and Simplification6.1 Mathematical ManipulationsSolving equations by hand usually involves performing a sequence of algebraicmanipulations. You can also perform these steps using Maple.> eq := 4*x + 17 = 23;eq := 4 x + 17 = 23To solve this equation, you must subtract 17 from both sides of theequation. Subtract the equation 17=17 from eq. Enclose the unnamedequation in parentheses.> eq - ( 17 = 17 );4 x = 6Divide through by 4. Note that you do not have to use 4=4 in thiscase.> % / 4;x = 3 2The following sections focus on more sophisticated manipulations.Expanding Polynomials as SumsSums are generally easier to comprehend than products, so you may find ituseful to expand a polynomial as a sum of products. The expand commandhas this capability.> poly := (x+1)*(x+2)*(x+5)*(x-3/2);poly := (x + 1) (x + 2) (x + 5) (x − 3 2 )> expand( poly );x 4 + 13 2 x3 + 5 x 2 − 31 2 x − 15The expand command expands the numerator of a rational expression.