Algebra Calculator
Solve common algebra problems including equations, expressions, factoring, expansion, quadratics, and simple systems with step-by-step explanations.
Try 2x + 3 = 11, 3(x + 4), x^2 + 5x + 6, 2x + 3y = 12; x - y = 1, 4 + 2 * (3 + 1), 2/3 + 1/6.
We pick the best mode based on what you typed.
Detected mode
solve-equation
Auto mode picks based on whether the input has an "=" sign, a ";" separator, or a variable.
Example chips
Solution
x = 4
Method: Isolate the variable
Original input
2x + 3 = 11
Normalized
2*x+3=11
Variable
x
Decimal
4
Fraction
4
Input summary
Original: 2x + 3 = 11
Normalized: 2*x+3=11
Detected as solve-equation. Input type: Linear equation.
Solution steps
Step-by-step breakdown of how the answer is reached.
Step 1
2*x+3 = 11
Start from the original equation.
Step 2
2x - 8 = 0
Move every term to the left and combine like terms.
Step 3
2x = 8
Subtract the constant from both sides.
Step 4
x = 4
Divide both sides by 2.
Supported algebra modes
The calculator focuses on a clear set of reliable algebra tasks.
Evaluate expressions
Compute the value of a numeric expression using PEMDAS.
Simplify expressions
Combine like terms across x and y to a clean polynomial.
Expand expressions
Distribute factors and multiply out parentheses.
Factor simple quadratics
Find integer factor pairs and use difference of squares.
Solve linear equations
Isolate the variable and show the steps used.
Solve 2-variable systems
Use the determinant method on two linear equations.
What this calculator can solve
Use the modes below for the best results.
Numeric arithmetic
4 + 2 * (3 + 1) → 12
Like-term simplification
2x + 3x + 4 - 1 → 5x + 3
Distribution
3(x + 4) → 3x + 12
Binomial expansion
(x + 2)(x + 3) → x² + 5x + 6
Integer quadratic factoring
x² + 5x + 6 → (x + 2)(x + 3)
Difference of squares
x² − 9 → (x − 3)(x + 3)
Linear equations
2x + 3 = 11 → x = 4
Simple quadratics
x² − 5x + 6 = 0 → x = 2, 3
2-variable systems
2x + 3y = 12; x − y = 1 → x = 3, y = 2
No / infinite solutions
2x + 3 = 2x + 5 → no solution
How equation solving works
The calculator moves every term to one side, combines like terms, then isolates the variable.
1. Move terms
Bring every term to the left so the right side becomes 0.
2. Combine like terms
Add up coefficients of the same monomial.
3. Isolate the variable
Subtract the constant and divide by the coefficient to read the solution.
How simplifying expressions works
Identify monomials
Each term has a variable part (like x², x, or a constant) and a coefficient.
Add coefficients
Like terms share the same variable part and combine by addition.
Order by degree
Result is shown highest degree first, then by variable name.
Cancel zeros
Zero coefficients drop out, leaving the simplified form.
How factoring works
AC method
For ax² + bx + c, look for two integers whose product is a·c and whose sum is b.
Group and factor
Split the middle term using those integers, then group and factor common pieces.
Difference of squares
Recognize A² − B² and rewrite as (A − B)(A + B).
Not factorable
Some quadratics do not split over integers, so use the Quadratic Equation Solver for roots.
How systems of equations work
Standard form
Move everything to the left of '=' so each equation looks like ax + by = c.
Determinant
det = a₁b₂ − a₂b₁ describes whether a unique solution exists.
Cramer's rule
When det ≠ 0, read x and y directly from determinants.
Supported input formats
Use everyday math notation.
Operators
+, −, *, /, ^
Parentheses
Use them for grouping
Decimals and fractions
0.5, 2/3, 1/6
Variables
Single letters such as x, y
Implicit multiplication
2x, 3(x+1), (x+1)(x+2)
System separator
Use ';' between two equations
Limitations of this calculator
Designed as a practical helper, not a full symbolic engine.
What is an algebra calculator?
An algebra calculator helps you work through everyday algebra problems, including evaluating expressions, simplifying like terms, expanding parentheses, factoring simple quadratics, and solving equations or small systems. This BlinkCalc tool focuses on practical school and self-study tasks, presents each answer with the method and the key steps, and keeps things readable on mobile.