Note: Many of the examples include spaces for readability, but the spaces are never required.

Basic Examples

  • 4x+2
  • sin(x)
  • x(x+1)(x+3)
  • 3 / (x + 2)

Exponents

  • x^2
  • e^(x + 2)
  • 2^-x
  • sin^2(x) can be used for sin2x if you wish.

Square and Other Roots

  • sqrt(x) is the square root of x.
  • cbrt(x) is the cube root of x.
  • nthroot(5, x) is the 5th root of x.

e and π

  • e^3
  • 4e + 1
  • pi/2
  • sin(2pi/3)

Scientific Notation

  • 1.2E3 is 1.2 × 103.
  • 1.2E-3 is 1.2 × 10-3.

You must use a capital E for scientific notation, since 1.2e3 would be 3.6e, not 1200.

Absolute Value

  • |x + 2|
  • abs(x + 2)

In most cases, which form you choose is a matter of preference. However, if you have nested absolute value expressions, e.g., |5 - |2- x||, you must use the abs function rather than the vertical bars. The example shown would thus be entered as abs(5 - abs(2 - x)).

Grouping Symbols

You may use brackets instead of parentheses as desired for readability, e.g., 3[x + 2) - (2x + 3)]