(%i1) divide(10,4) => [2, 2] (%i2) part(%i1,1) => 10 << Good, we're looking at the input line (%i3) ev(part(%i1,1),factor) => 2 << oops! ev double-evaluates %i1 (%i4) part(%i1,1),factor => 2 << shortcut syntax for ev Even though I've been using Maxima for decades, stuff like this still bites me. -s