Algebra Solver and Calculator

This algebra solver simplifies expressions, expands brackets, factors and solves equations, and shows every step of the working. Type your algebra problem or add a photo of it.

Tip: use the math keyboard for symbols like √, x² and fractions. You can also attach a photo, screenshot or PDF of the problem (up to 4 files).

What should Sumzo do?
Try an example:
Explanation

How to use the algebra calculator

  1. Type the problem as you would write it — for example “3(x + 4) − 2x” or “5x − 7 = 2x + 8”. Use ^ or the math keyboard for powers.
  2. Pick what Sumzo should do — Simplify, Expand, Factor or Solve equation — or leave it unselected and Sumzo works it out.
  3. Or add a photo, screenshot or PDF of the problem, and check the text Sumzo read from it.
  4. Press Solve. You get the answer first, then every step: expanding, collecting like terms, factoring or isolating the variable.
  5. Choose Simple, Standard or Advanced for more or less detail, and ask “Why?” about any step.

Worked examples

Easy: simplify 3(x+4)−2x3(x + 4) - 2x

  1. Expand the bracket: 3(x+4)=3x+123(x + 4) = 3x + 12.
  2. Collect like terms: 3x+12−2x=x+123x + 12 - 2x = x + 12.
  3. Check with x=1x = 1: 3(5)−2=133(5) - 2 = 13 and 1+12=131 + 12 = 13 ✓.

Medium: 5x−7=2x+85x - 7 = 2x + 8

  1. Subtract 2x2x from both sides: 3x−7=83x - 7 = 8.
  2. Add 7 to both sides: 3x=153x = 15.
  3. Divide by 3: x=5x = 5.
  4. Check: 5(5)−7=185(5) - 7 = 18 and 2(5)+8=182(5) + 8 = 18 ✓.

Hard: factor and solve 2x2+7x−4=02x^2 + 7x - 4 = 0

  1. Look for two numbers that multiply to 2×(−4)=−82 \times (-4) = -8 and add to 77: they are 88 and −1-1.
  2. Split the middle term: 2x2+8x−x−4=2x(x+4)−(x+4)=(2x−1)(x+4)2x^2 + 8x - x - 4 = 2x(x + 4) - (x + 4) = (2x - 1)(x + 4).
  3. Set each factor to zero: x=12x = \frac{1}{2} or x=−4x = -4.
  4. Check: 2(14)+72−4=02(\frac{1}{4}) + \frac{7}{2} - 4 = 0 ✓ and 2(16)−28−4=02(16) - 28 - 4 = 0 ✓.

Common algebra mistakes

  • Forgetting to multiply every term in a bracket: 3(x+4)3(x + 4) is 3x+123x + 12, not 3x+43x + 4.
  • Losing a minus sign in front of a bracket: −(x−3)=−x+3-(x - 3) = -x + 3.
  • Adding unlike terms: 3x+23x + 2 cannot be simplified to 5x5x.
  • Dividing only part of one side: 2x+62\frac{2x + 6}{2} is x+3x + 3, not x+6x + 6.

Frequently asked questions

Is this algebra calculator free?

Yes. The algebra calculator is free and works without an account. AI answers have a fair-use daily limit; a free account adds your history.

Does the algebra solver show the steps?

Yes. Every answer comes with the working step by step — expanding, collecting like terms, factoring or isolating the variable — and you can ask “Why?” about any step.

Can it do Algebra 2 problems?

Yes, including quadratics, polynomials, exponents and logarithms, rational expressions and systems of equations. Problems Sumzo’s math engine can solve exactly are checked by the engine; others are solved by Sumzo AI.

Is this an algebra AI?

Partly. Sumzo first tries its own math engine, which solves many algebra problems exactly and checks them. When a problem needs more, Sumzo AI solves it and the engine re-checks the answer whenever it can.

What kinds of algebra problems can I enter?

Expressions to simplify, expand or factor; equations and inequalities; systems; and word problems written in plain English. You can also photograph a problem from a worksheet.

Can I use the algebra calculator online on my phone?

Yes. It works in any modern browser on a phone, tablet or computer, with nothing to install.