Reduce symbolic expressions with simplify

simplify(expr) rewrites an expression into an equivalent, usually shorter or clearer form. It applies algebraic identities, combines constants, and removes unnecessary operations while retaining symbolic structure.

Example workflow

Simplify can turn x + x into 2*x and reduce obvious constant arithmetic. Use parse to inspect expression syntax, expand when multiplied-out terms are needed, and symbolicEqual to compare forms.

Important caveats

Equivalent forms are not always equally useful: expansion may increase size, and assumptions about domains can affect transformations. Simplification does not substitute unknown variables; use evaluate after providing values. Keep the original formula when its factored structure or restrictions matter.