Does the algebra calculator show working?

Yes. Every solution comes with steps laid out in order, matching the way method marks are awarded in UK exams.

Can it solve quadratic equations?

Yes, by factorising where possible and the quadratic formula where not. Both real and repeated roots are handled.

What does it mean if there is no solution?

Some equations have no valid answer, such as x + 1 = x + 2. Others have infinite solutions where both sides are identical. The calculator tells you which case you have hit.

Is x^2 the same as x2?

No. Always use the ^ symbol for powers. x2 will be read as an unknown called x2 or as multiplication depending on context, and either way the answer will be wrong.

Can I use this in my maths exam?

No. It is a revision and homework checking tool. Practise the methods on paper so you can reproduce them in non calculator conditions.

Specialist Calculator

Algebra Calculator

Name: Algebra Calculator
Author: CalZone

Stuck on an equation and no idea where it went wrong? Our algebra calculator solves your problem and shows working step by step, so you can see exactly how answer was reached rather than just copying it down. It handles everything from simple linear equations to quadratics, simultaneous equations and expression simplification.

Algebra Solver

Solve Linear Equation: ax + b = c

Value of a

Value of b

Value of c

Result: x =3

Equation: 2x + 4 = 10

Exponents & Powers

Base

Exp

What the Algebra Calculator Can Solve

The calculator covers the full core of school and college algebra:

Linear equations such as 4x + 2 = 2x + 12
Quadratic equations by factorising, completing the square or quadratic formula
Simultaneous equations with two unknowns
Expanding brackets and collecting like terms
Factorising expressions into brackets
Simplifying fractions and algebraic expressions
Rearranging formulas to change the subject
Inequalities in a single variable

Type your problem in exactly as it appears on the page. Use ^ for powers, so x squared is entered as x^2 and use brackets generously to keep meaning unambiguous.

How to Enter Your Problem

Write equations with an equals sign, like 3(x - 2) = 15. For simultaneous equations enter both, separated by a comma. For expression work with no equals sign, such as expanding (x + 3)(x - 5), just type the expression and choose the operation you want.

If the calculator returns something unexpected the cause is nearly always a missing bracket. 1/2x reads as one divided by 2x, while (1/2)x means half of x. When in doubt bracket it.

The Order of Operations: BODMAS

Every result calculator gives follows BODMAS, Brackets, Orders, Division and Multiplication, then Addition and Subtraction. Division and multiplication rank equally and are worked left to right and same applies to addition and subtraction.

This is where a lot of marks go missing. In 3 + 2 x 5 the multiplication happens first, giving 13 rather than 25. If your handwritten answer disagrees with calculator, checking the order of operations is first place to look.

Common Algebra Methods Explained

Collecting like terms: Terms with the same letter and power combine. 3x + 5x makes 8x, but 3x and 3x² stay separate because the powers differ.

Balancing: Whatever you do to one side of an equation you must do to other. Solving means peeling operations away from x one layer at a time, always keeping both sides balanced.

Changing the subject: Rearranging a formula uses the same balancing logic. To make r subject of C = 2πr, divide both sides by 2π. The calculator shows each rearrangement line by line, which is exactly how examiners expect working to be set out.

Factorising: The reverse of expanding. Look for a common factor first, then check whether a quadratic splits into two brackets. If the expression will not factorise cleanly the quadratic formula always works.

Using the Calculator for GCSE and A Level Revision

The step by step working is what makes this genuinely useful for revision rather than a shortcut to answers. Work problem on paper first, then run it through calculator and compare line by line. The step where your working splits from the calculator’s is precisely the concept to revise.

Remember that GCSE maths includes a non calculator paper across every exam board, so goal is to internalise the methods, not depend on the tool. Used properly it is closer to a patient tutor showing full working than a machine that hands over answers. Marks at both GCSE and A Level are awarded for method, so learning to set working out clearly matters as much as the final answer.