To simplify symbolic expressions in MATLAB, you can use the “simplify” function from the Symbolic Math Toolbox. This function performs algebraic simplification and can handle various types of expressions, including polynomials, trigonometric functions, and logarithms.
Kindly refer the example of how to use the “simplify” function:
expr1 = sin(x)^2 + cos(x)^2;
expr2 = (log(x^2 + 2*x + 1) - log(x + 1)) * sqrt(x^2);
simplified_expr1 = simplify(expr1);
simplified_expr2 = simplify(expr2);
Output:
1
You can use additional parameters to further simplify the equation. For example, when you set “IgnoreAnalyticConstraints” to true, the function will apply simplification rules that permit combining powers and logarithms, potentially leading to a simpler expression.
simplified_expr2 = simplify(expr2,'IgnoreAnalyticConstraints', true);
Output:
Another approach that can improve simplification is to use “Steps” parameter that controls how many steps “simplify” takes.
simplified_expr2 = simplify(expr2, 'Steps', 10);
For more information and examples on “simplify”, kindly refer the following MATLAB documentation: