Algebraic expression

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In mathematics, an algebraic expression is an expression built up from constants (usually, algebraic numbers) variables, and the basic algebraic operations: addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (×), division (÷), whole number powers, and roots (fractional powers).^{[1][2][3][better source needed]}. For example, ⁠${\displaystyle 3x^{2}-2xy+c}$⁠ is an algebraic expression. Since taking the square root is the same as raising to the power ⁠1/2⁠, the following is also an algebraic expression:

${\displaystyle {\sqrt {\frac {1-x^{2}}{1+x^{2}}}}}$

An algebraic equation is an equation involving polynomials, for which algebraic expressions may be solutions.

If you restrict your set of constants to be numbers, any algebraic expression can be called an arithmetic expression. However, algebraic expressions can be used on more abstract objects such as in Abstract algebra. If you restrict your constants to integers, the set of numbers that can be described with an algebraic expression are called Algebraic numbers.^{[contradictory]}

By contrast, transcendental numbers like π and e are not algebraic, since they are not derived from integer constants and algebraic operations. Usually, π is constructed as a geometric relationship, and the definition of e requires an infinite number of algebraic operations. More generally, expressions which are algebraically independent from their constants and/or variables are called transcendental.