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pythonalgebra

How can I perform algebra such as apple + apple = 2 apple?

Is its possible to define an algebra for string objects? For example:

  • apple + apple = 2 apple
  • apple + orange = orange + apple
  • apple + 3.5 apple = 4.5 apple

Are there built-in functions that could do that? Is the creation of a class structure necessary?

Solution

  • You could use SymPy to define symbolic variables for this type of algebra.

    >>> from sympy import *
>>> apple = symbols('apple')
>>> orange = symbols('orange')
>>> apple + apple
2*apple
>>> apple + orange
apple + orange
>>> apple + 3.5 * apple
4.5*apple