Variable Calculator Software

[strongbad6565]

I'm looking for a program for Windows (or Pocket PC) that acts as a "variable calculator" - i.e., you type in an expression such as (a+b)(a-b) and it gives you a²-b², rather than trying to solve for a variable or substitute a value for the variables. Does anyone know if such a program exists, and if so, where to find it?

Thank you very much
-Chris

[Highett]

strongbad6565,

Have a look here, this may be what you want.

http://www.binarythings.com/hidigit/

[strongbad6565]

Thanks for the tip... unfortunately, HiDigit doesn't seem to be what I'm looking for. I need a program that can simplify expressions rather than trying to evaluate them; that is, I type in an expression with some variables, such as (a+b)(a-b), and rather than giving me an actual number, the calculator just tells me a²-b². Any advice?

[Highett]

strongbad6565

Have a look here - maybe one of these will help you

http://archives.math.utk.edu/software/.msdos.directory.html

[Blazeix]

Here's an online calculator that will do just what you need.
http://www.algebrahelp.com/calculators/expression/oops/
if you type in (a+b)(a-b) it will spit out 'a² + -b²' It even shows all the steps that it takes to get to the answer.