Re: [Maxima-discuss] (x-2)^2 becomes (x-4)^2

[Stavros M. <mac...@gm...>]

Agree with Dodier.
One convention is to use names like _foo for "hidden" variables like match
variables that the user isn't intended to use or to see.
I also use _foo for local (helper) functions in load files which the user
isn't intended to call. Those typically have function-like names, e.g.,
_refactor_inner, whereas match variables tend to be named for their type,
e.g. _positive_integer1 , so there's little likelihood of confusion.

On Sun, Jul 20, 2025 at 1:28 PM Robert Dodier <rob...@gm...>
wrote:

> Hi Eduardo, couple of comments about the question you posted.
>
> The conventional way to avoid name collisions with match variables is
> to give the match variables names which are unlikely to occur
> otherwise. E.g. aa, bb, cc, xx, yy, zz.
>
> It's not clear what is the larger goal towards which you are working.
> If you are trying to denest radicals, take a look at sqrtdenest. If
> you are trying to solve equations containing radicals, take a look at
> to_poly_solve. If it's something else, maybe you can say more about
> what you want to do.
>
> best
>
> Robert
>
>
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