ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Computer algebra

Computer Algebra is like having a really smart and powerful calculator that can solve complicated math problems. It's like a calculator friend who never gets tired of math questions.

You know how if you add 2 + 3, you get 5? And if you multiply 5 x 4, you get 20? Well, what if the numbers were really big, like 1537 + 2364, or what if it wasn't just adding and multiplying but a very long equation with lots of variables? That's where computer algebra comes in.

Computer algebra programs use special rules and algorithms to simplify and solve expressions and equations. They can do things like factor polynomials, solve differential equations, find roots, and even evaluate integrals. Just tell the computer what kind of problem you have, and it can give you the answer.

Computer algebra is used in many areas of science and engineering, from designing airplanes and bridges to analyzing medical data and predicting financial trends. Without computer algebra, many of these problems would take hours, days, or even years to solve by hand.

So, in short, computer algebra is like having a super smart calculator that can do really complicated math quickly and accurately.