Not knowing exactly what you really need, here is perhaps a solution.
algebraic:true;
tellrat(a^2-2);
rat(a+1)^3;
---> 5*a+7
Now note that a is an arbitrary square root of 2. You don't know which one.
But it doesn't matter because whatever the result is here, it is
consistent with
the fact that a^2-2 = 0.
Note that this kind of information is not used consistently all over
the place, just
in the rational function package. Thus
is (a^2>0) --> unknown.
However
q: rat(a);
is (q^2>0) --> true
Have fun.
RJF
PS. replacing values all over Maxima by "sets of values" would be a
challenging undertaking, but might be interesting.
> Leo
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>