-----maxima-bounces at math.utexas.edu wrote: -----
>Can Maxima solve transcendental equations, like
>this x^2=2^x or x*e^x-5*(e^x-1)=0 ?
Generally, no. Maxima's solve function is pretty much
limited to polynomial equations and to equations that look like
f(x) = a, where x is the unknown, f is a trig-like or log-like
function, and 'a' doesn't depend on x.
Both the example equations you gave have one solution
that necessarily involves the Lambert W function. Maxima
doesn't know anything about Lambert W. So Maxima doesn't
have a chance at solving x*e^x-5*(e^x-1)=0, for example.
>With solve function I can't find solution. Can
>solve function control
>solutions and detect solution which is dependent
>from unknown variable?
Yes, I think so. Try something like:
(%i7) solve((x+1)*(2^x - x^2)*(x^2+1)=0,x);
(%o7) [x=-%i,x=%i,x=-1,x=-2^(x/2),x=2^(x/2)]
(%i8) subset(setify(%),lambda([e],freeof(x,rhs(e))));
(%o8) {x=-1,x=-%i,x=%i}
Barton