Algebra in MV Workstation
Expand, factor and simplify; solve equations, inequalities and systems with every step shown; define functions, find inverses, domain and range; and see lines, parabolas and systems you can drag.
Type the maths the way you write it and MV Workstation shows the exact answer, the working and, where it helps, a picture you can drag.
Things to try
| What it is | Type this |
|---|---|
| Solve a linear equation | 3(x - 2) = 2x + 5 |
| Solve a quadratic | x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0 |
| The quadratic formula | x = {-b ± sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)} / {2a} |
| An inequality | x^2 - 5x + 6 >= 0 |
| Expand brackets | (x + 2)(x + 5) |
| Factor a polynomial | x^3 - 6x^2 + 11x - 6 |
| A function | f(x) = 2x + 3 |
| Compose functions | f(g(x)) |
Tools
- Expand: Multiply out brackets and collect like terms: (x+2)(x+5) becomes x² + 7x + 10.
- Factor: Write a polynomial as a product: x² − 5x + 6 becomes (x − 3)(x − 2). Also differences of squares, sums and differences of cubes, grouping.
- Simplify: Cancel common factors, add fractions, simplify radicals and combine like terms.
- Solve: Solve an equation or inequality with every step shown: linear, quadratic, cubic, rational, absolute value, radical, literal, and systems of two equations.
- Inverse function: Swap and solve to find f⁻¹(x), with the steps.
- Domain and range: Which inputs are allowed (no division by zero, no negative roots) and which outputs result.
- Table of values: A table of x and f(x) for the function, with a start, end and step you choose.
Pictures you can drag
- Line y = mx + b: Drag the dots to change the slope and the y-intercept; the equation follows.
- Parabola y = ax² + bx + c: See the vertex, roots and discriminant as you change a, b and c.
- System of equations: Two lines and where they meet, with elimination or substitution steps.
- Two curves and where they meet: Type two equations like y = x^2 and y = x + 2: both curves are drawn and every crossing point is marked.
- System of 3 equations: Three equations, three unknowns: every elimination step shown, with a check at the end.
- Inequality on a number line: Type an inequality and see its solution set shaded, with a sign chart that shows each factor.
- Function transformations: Stretch, flip and shift a base function with a, b, h and k.
- Area model (a + b)²: See (a + b)² and (a + b)(c + d) as areas of rectangles.
Open MV Workstation, it is free
MV Workstation is a visual maths whiteboard that solves, shows the steps and draws as you type. It runs in your browser and works offline.