try
is (equal(1/(1-x) , -1/(x-1)));
The "=" test does not look for equivalence, but exact isomorphism.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: maxima-bounces at math.utexas.edu
> [mailto:maxima-bounces at math.utexas.edu] On Behalf Of
> max.e.brown at gmail.com
> Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2007 2:00 AM
> To: maxima at math.utexas.edu
> Subject: is(1/(1-x) = -1/(x-1))
>
> Hello,
>
> in simplifying an expression, I came accross this:
>
> $ maxima
> Maxima 5.11.0 http://maxima.sourceforge.net
> Using Lisp SBCL 1.0.3
> Distributed under the GNU Public License. See the file COPYING.
> Dedicated to the memory of William Schelter.
> This is a development version of Maxima. The function bug_report()
> provides bug reporting information.
> (%i1) assume(x>0,x<1);
> (%o1) [x > 0, x < 1]
> (%i2) is(1/(1-x) = -1/(x-1));
> (%o2) false
> (%i3) radcan(1/(1-x));
> 1
> (%o3) - -----
> x - 1
>
> I would expect is(1/(1-x) = -1/(x-1)) to evaluate to true. Am I
> missing something obvious here?
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