Solve an equation exactly
Get exact answers, like x = 2 or x = 3, instead of decimals, using symbolic solve.
A symbolic solver manipulates the equation like you would on paper. It can give exact answers (with roots and fractions) and finds every solution at once.
Classic CAS
Start on the main screen: Press home to open the Home menu (Calculator, Graphs, Settings, and more). Choose Calculator, or press esc to go back to the calculation page.
Type solve( , the whole equation x² − 5x + 6 = 0, a comma and the variable x. Press enter.
solve(x^2▶−5x+6=0,x)enter
You should seex=2 or x=3
Classic CAS · A cubic
Start on the main screen: Press home to open the Home menu (Calculator, Graphs, Settings, and more). Choose Calculator, or press esc to go back to the calculation page.
The same command handles higher powers: x³ − x = 0 has three solutions.
solve(x^3▶−x=0,x)enter
You should seex=-1 or x=0 or x=1
RPN Power 48
Start on the main screen: Press ON to cancel what you are typing, then use the stack view. Open the MODE or VAR menu any time; the stack is always shown above the menu row.
Type the equation X^2 − 4 = 0 (the = sign is left shift, then the +/− key). Press ENTER.
'αX÷yˣ2−4◀=+/−0ENTEREnter the variable: apostrophe, X, ENTER. Then open SYMB (left shift, apostrophe) and press the third menu key, SOLVE.
'αX÷ENTER◀SYMB'F3
You should seeA list with both solutions.
Tips
- An "or" in the answer means both are solutions, not one of them.
Related guides
- Solve an equation numericallyFind a root of any equation by giving a starting guess and letting the calculator home in on the answer.
- Solve a quadratic equationFind the roots of x² − 5x + 6 = 0 with a polynomial solver or the quadratic formula.
- Factor and expand expressionsTurn x² − 5x + 6 into (x − 2)(x − 3), or multiply brackets out, using the algebra commands.