# simplify() Function & Examples

Use the simplify() algebra function in Calcul.io. Review its syntax, edit working examples, understand the result, and explore related math functions.

## simplify

#### simplify(expr)

#### simplify(expr, rules)

Try it yourself:

```calculio
simplify("3 + 2 / 4")
simplify("2x + x")
f = parse("x * (x + 2 + x)")
simplified = simplify(f)
simplified.evaluate({x: 2})
```

[derivative](https://calcul.io/function/derivative/index.md)

[parse](https://calcul.io/function/parse/index.md)

[rationalize](https://calcul.io/function/rationalize/index.md)

[resolve](https://calcul.io/function/resolve/index.md)

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## 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](https://calcul.io/function/parse/index.md) to inspect expression syntax, [expand](https://calcul.io/function/expand/index.md) when multiplied-out terms are needed, and [symbolicEqual](https://calcul.io/function/symbolicEqual/index.md) 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](https://calcul.io/function/evaluate/index.md) after providing values. Keep the original formula when its factored structure or restrictions matter.

[All functions](https://calcul.io/functions/index.md)