Solve linear and quadratic equations for x, or evaluate any arithmetic expression — with every step shown.
Type in an equation or an expression and this tool figures out which one it is. If your input contains an equals sign, it's treated as an equation to solve for x. Otherwise, it's evaluated as a plain arithmetic expression using standard order of operations.
Supports linear equations (e.g. 3x + 7 = 22) and quadratic equations (e.g. x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0) with one variable, x, on either or both sides. The solver collects all terms into standard form, then applies the quadratic formula when needed:
For a linear equation, it isolates x directly. If the discriminant is negative, the two solutions are complex numbers, shown as a ± bi.
Without an equals sign, your input is evaluated using proper order of operations (parentheses, exponents, multiplication/division, addition/subtraction). Supported operators and functions:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
+ − * / | Add, subtract, multiply, divide |
^ | Exponent (power) |
( ) | Parentheses / grouping |
sqrt(x) | Square root |
sin(x) cos(x) tan(x) | Trig functions (degrees) |
log(x) | Base-10 logarithm |
ln(x) | Natural logarithm |
abs(x) | Absolute value |
pi e | Constants π and e |
Equation: 2x - 3 = x + 5 → combine like terms → x − 8 = 0 → x = 8.
Quadratic: x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0 → discriminant = 25 − 24 = 1 → x = 3 or x = 2.
Expression: 3*(4+5)^2 - 10/2 → (4+5)=9 → 9²=81 → 3×81=243 → 10/2=5 → 243−5 = 238.
What kinds of equations can this math solver handle? Linear equations (like 3x + 7 = 22) and quadratic equations (like x² − 5x + 6 = 0) in a single variable, x. It does not yet solve systems of equations, inequalities, or equations with parentheses around x-terms.
Can it evaluate plain arithmetic expressions too? Yes — if your input doesn't contain an equals sign, it's evaluated as an expression using standard order of operations (PEMDAS), supporting +, −, *, /, ^, parentheses, and functions like sqrt(), sin(), cos(), tan(), log(), ln(), and abs().
What if the quadratic has no real solution? When the discriminant (b² − 4ac) is negative, the solver reports the two complex solutions in the form a ± bi instead.
Does it show the steps, not just the final answer? Yes — for equations it shows the standard form and discriminant (for quadratics); for expressions it shows every intermediate operation, evaluated in the correct order.
Why does it say it can't parse my equation? The equation solver expects terms without parentheses around x, like 3x + 7 = 22 rather than 3(x + 7) = 22. Expand parenthetical terms by hand first, or use it as a plain expression if there's no variable.
After solving, put your answer back into the original equation. For 2x + 3 = 11, the solver gives x = 4, and substituting gives 2(4) + 3 = 11, so it is correct. For x² − 5x + 6 = 0 the solutions are x = 2 and x = 3, and each makes the left side equal to zero.
| Mistake | Correct approach |
|---|---|
| Forgetting to change the sign when moving a term | Add or subtract the same amount on both sides. |
| Dividing only one term | Divide every term on both sides. |
| Mishandling negatives when multiplying or dividing | Remember that dividing by a negative flips the sign. |
| Skipping the distributive step | Multiply the outside term by every term inside the brackets. |
Treat the steps as a worked solution: try the problem yourself first, then compare each line. When a step surprises you, redo that one operation by hand. That habit builds the intuition that lets you solve similar problems without a tool.
Can it solve systems of equations? The solver handles one linear or quadratic equation in x, or a numeric expression. For systems with several variables, solve one equation for a variable and substitute it into another.
Why is my answer a long decimal? Many solutions are irrational, such as square roots. The decimal is a rounded form, and the exact answer may be shown with a radical.