Does it find complex solutions?

For polynomial equations, yes — complex roots are shown when there are no (or not enough) real roots.

What is an extraneous solution?

A value produced by a valid-looking algebraic step (like squaring both sides) that does not satisfy the original equation. The solver tests and removes them.

Can it solve for a variable in a formula?

Yes. Enter the formula and choose the variable, e.g. “v = u + at, solve for t”.

Equation Solver

Our equation solver finds every real (and complex) solution, checks each one in the original equation and rejects extraneous roots — the step most students forget with radical and rational equations.

How to use the equation solver

Type the equation with an equals sign.
Optionally choose which variable to solve for (useful for formulas like A = πr²).
Review the steps; any rejected candidate solutions are explained.

Examples

x^3 - 6x^2 + 11x - 6 = 0

Answer: x = 1, 2, 3

Rational Root Theorem + synthetic division.

sqrt(x + 3) = x - 3

Answer: x = 6

x = 1 is extraneous.

sin(x) = 1/2

Answer: x = π/6 + 2πk, 5π/6 + 2πk

Formulas

Logarithm Rules

lo g_{b} (x y) = lo g_{b} x + lo g_{b} y,; lo g_{b} \frac{x}{y} = lo g_{b} x - lo g_{b} y,; lo g_{b} x^{k} = k lo g_{b} x

Quadratic Formula

x = \frac{- b \pm b ^{2} - 4 a c}{2 a}