Re: [Maxima-discuss] Is there a way to expand ((1 + y )^ (1/n)) for y and n > 0?

[Richard F. <fa...@be...>]

I think this question really has two parts.

1. Given some formula  (say, the binomial expansion), can Maxima
substitute particular values (like 3.5   or 1/3) for particular names, 
like n.

2. Can Maxima be prompted to show that it knows this formula
or something equivalent by issuing some command  (for this
particular case, powerseries()  or taylor() ).

The answer to part 1, is generally yes, unless the formula violates some
general rules (like it divides by zero, or is incompatible with the Maxima
simplification process)

The answer to part 2 depends on the particular form.  There are huge
collections of identities and special forms catalogued in math reference
books.  Steering Maxima to come up with a particular arrangement of
a formula may or may not succeed.  The question then changes to --
is there a practical reason to include this particular arrangement in
Maxima's algorithms?

We can (as humans) refer to the online  collection
https://dlmf.nist.gov/

Less clear is how to match the capabilities of existing
(or prospective) computer systems to
make use of this kind of information in solving problems.

As a very simple general statement,  if the reference document
says   A=B
should the program simplify A to B   or the reverse?
(Or neither.  Or ... depends...)

RJF