passagemath-symbolics 10.8.1a1__cp314-cp314t-musllinux_1_2_aarch64.whl

sage/symbolic/relation.py

@@ -0,0 +1,2062 @@
+# sage_setup: distribution = sagemath-symbolics
+r"""
+Symbolic Equations and Inequalities
+
+Sage can solve symbolic equations and inequalities. For
+example, we derive the quadratic formula as follows::
+
+    sage: a,b,c = var('a,b,c')
+    sage: qe = (a*x^2 + b*x + c == 0)
+    sage: qe
+    a*x^2 + b*x + c == 0
+    sage: print(solve(qe, x))
+    [
+    x == -1/2*(b + sqrt(b^2 - 4*a*c))/a,
+    x == -1/2*(b - sqrt(b^2 - 4*a*c))/a
+    ]
+
+
+The operator, left hand side, and right hand side
+--------------------------------------------------
+
+Operators::
+
+    sage: eqn = x^3 + 2/3 >= x - pi
+    sage: eqn.operator()
+    <built-in function ge>
+    sage: (x^3 + 2/3 < x - pi).operator()
+    <built-in function lt>
+    sage: (x^3 + 2/3 == x - pi).operator()
+    <built-in function eq>
+
+Left hand side::
+
+    sage: eqn = x^3 + 2/3 >= x - pi
+    sage: eqn.lhs()
+    x^3 + 2/3
+    sage: eqn.left()
+    x^3 + 2/3
+    sage: eqn.left_hand_side()
+    x^3 + 2/3
+
+Right hand side::
+
+    sage: (x + sqrt(2) >= sqrt(3) + 5/2).right()
+    sqrt(3) + 5/2
+    sage: (x + sqrt(2) >= sqrt(3) + 5/2).rhs()
+    sqrt(3) + 5/2
+    sage: (x + sqrt(2) >= sqrt(3) + 5/2).right_hand_side()
+    sqrt(3) + 5/2
+
+
+Arithmetic
+----------
+Add two symbolic equations::
+
+    sage: var('a,b')
+    (a, b)
+    sage: m = 144 == -10 * a + b
+    sage: n = 136 == 10 * a + b
+    sage: m + n
+    280 == 2*b
+    sage: int(-144) + m
+    0 == -10*a + b - 144
+
+Subtract two symbolic equations::
+
+    sage: var('a,b')
+    (a, b)
+    sage: m = 144 == 20 * a + b
+    sage: n = 136 == 10 * a + b
+    sage: m - n
+    8 == 10*a
+    sage: int(144) - m
+    0 == -20*a - b + 144
+
+Multiply two symbolic equations::
+
+    sage: x = var('x')
+    sage: m = x == 5*x + 1
+    sage: n = sin(x) == sin(x+2*pi, hold=True)
+    sage: m * n
+    x*sin(x) == (5*x + 1)*sin(2*pi + x)
+    sage: m = 2*x == 3*x^2 - 5
+    sage: int(-1) * m
+    -2*x == -3*x^2 + 5
+
+Divide two symbolic equations::
+
+    sage: x = var('x')
+    sage: m = x == 5*x + 1
+    sage: n = sin(x) == sin(x+2*pi, hold=True)
+    sage: m/n
+    x/sin(x) == (5*x + 1)/sin(2*pi + x)
+    sage: m = x != 5*x + 1
+    sage: n = sin(x) != sin(x+2*pi, hold=True)
+    sage: m/n
+    x/sin(x) != (5*x + 1)/sin(2*pi + x)
+
+Substitution
+------------
+
+Substitution into relations::
+
+    sage: x, a = var('x, a')
+    sage: eq = (x^3 + a == sin(x/a)); eq
+    x^3 + a == sin(x/a)
+    sage: eq.substitute(x=5*x)
+    125*x^3 + a == sin(5*x/a)
+    sage: eq.substitute(a=1)
+    x^3 + 1 == sin(x)
+    sage: eq.substitute(a=x)
+    x^3 + x == sin(1)
+    sage: eq.substitute(a=x, x=1)
+    x + 1 == sin(1/x)
+    sage: eq.substitute({a:x, x:1})
+    x + 1 == sin(1/x)
+
+You can even substitute multivariable and matrix
+expressions::
+
+    sage: x,y = var('x, y')
+    sage: M = Matrix([[x+1,y],[x^2,y^3]]); M
+    [x + 1     y]
+    [  x^2   y^3]
+    sage: M.substitute({x:0,y:1})
+    [1 1]
+    [0 1]
+
+Solving
+-------
+
+We can solve equations::
+
+    sage: x = var('x')
+    sage: S = solve(x^3 - 1 == 0, x)
+    sage: S
+    [x == 1/2*I*sqrt(3) - 1/2, x == -1/2*I*sqrt(3) - 1/2, x == 1]
+    sage: S[0]
+    x == 1/2*I*sqrt(3) - 1/2
+    sage: S[0].right()
+    1/2*I*sqrt(3) - 1/2
+    sage: S = solve(x^3 - 1 == 0, x, solution_dict=True)
+    sage: S
+    [{x: 1/2*I*sqrt(3) - 1/2}, {x: -1/2*I*sqrt(3) - 1/2}, {x: 1}]
+    sage: z = 5
+    sage: solve(z^2 == sqrt(3),z)
+    Traceback (most recent call last):
+    ...
+    TypeError: 5 is not a valid variable
+
+We can also solve equations involving matrices. The following
+example defines a multivariable function ``f(x,y)``, then solves
+for where the partial derivatives with respect to ``x``
+and ``y`` are zero. Then it substitutes one of the solutions
+into the Hessian matrix ``H`` for ``f``::
+
+    sage: f(x,y) = x^2*y+y^2+y
+    sage: solutions = solve(list(f.diff()),[x,y],solution_dict=True)
+    sage: solutions == [{x: -I, y: 0}, {x: I, y: 0}, {x: 0, y: -1/2}]
+    True
+    sage: H = f.diff(2) # Hessian matrix
+    sage: H.subs(solutions[2])
+    [(x, y) |--> -1  (x, y) |--> 0]
+    [ (x, y) |--> 0  (x, y) |--> 2]
+    sage: H(x,y).subs(solutions[2])
+    [-1  0]
+    [ 0  2]
+
+We illustrate finding multiplicities of solutions::
+
+    sage: f = (x-1)^5*(x^2+1)
+    sage: solve(f == 0, x)
+    [x == -I, x == I, x == 1]
+    sage: solve(f == 0, x, multiplicities=True)
+    ([x == -I, x == I, x == 1], [1, 1, 5])
+
+We can also solve many inequalities::
+
+    sage: solve(1/(x-1)<=8,x)
+    [[x < 1], [x >= (9/8)]]
+
+We can numerically find roots of equations::
+
+    sage: (x == sin(x)).find_root(-2,2)                                                 # needs scipy
+    0.0
+    sage: (x^5 + 3*x + 2 == 0).find_root(-2,2,x)                                        # needs scipy
+    -0.6328345202421523
+    sage: (cos(x) == sin(x)).find_root(10,20)                                           # needs scipy
+    19.634954084936208
+
+We illustrate some valid error conditions::
+
+    sage: (cos(x) != sin(x)).find_root(10,20)                                           # needs scipy
+    Traceback (most recent call last):
+    ...
+    ValueError: Symbolic equation must be an equality.
+    sage: (SR(3)==SR(2)).find_root(-1,1)                                                # needs scipy
+    Traceback (most recent call last):
+    ...
+    RuntimeError: no zero in the interval, since constant expression is not 0.
+
+There must be at most one variable::
+
+    sage: x, y = var('x,y')
+    sage: (x == y).find_root(-2,2)                                                      # needs scipy
+    Traceback (most recent call last):
+    ...
+    NotImplementedError: root finding currently only implemented in 1 dimension.
+
+Assumptions
+-----------
+
+Forgetting assumptions::
+
+    sage: var('x,y')
+    (x, y)
+    sage: forget() #Clear assumptions
+    sage: assume(x>0, y < 2)
+    sage: assumptions()
+    [x > 0, y < 2]
+    sage: (y < 2).forget()
+    sage: assumptions()
+    [x > 0]
+    sage: forget()
+    sage: assumptions()
+    []
+
+
+Miscellaneous
+-------------
+
+Conversion to Maxima::
+
+    sage: from sage.interfaces.maxima_lib import maxima
+    sage: x = var('x')
+    sage: eq = (x^(3/5) >= pi^2 + e^i)
+    sage: eq._maxima_init_()
+    '(_SAGE_VAR_x)^(3/5) >= ((%pi)^(2))+(exp(0+%i*1))'
+    sage: e1 = x^3 + x == sin(2*x)
+    sage: z = e1._maxima_()
+    sage: z.parent() is sage.calculus.calculus.maxima
+    True
+    sage: z = e1._maxima_(maxima)
+    sage: z.parent() is sage.interfaces.maxima_lib.maxima
+    True
+    sage: z = maxima(e1)
+    sage: z.parent() is sage.interfaces.maxima_lib.maxima
+    True
+
+Conversion to Maple::
+
+    sage: x = var('x')
+    sage: eq = (x == 2)
+    sage: eq._maple_init_()
+    'x = 2'
+
+Comparison::
+
+    sage: x = var('x')
+    sage: (x>0) == (x>0)
+    True
+    sage: (x>0) == (x>1)
+    False
+    sage: (x>0) != (x>1)
+    True
+
+Variables appearing in the relation::
+
+    sage: var('x,y,z,w')
+    (x, y, z, w)
+    sage: f =  (x+y+w) == (x^2 - y^2 - z^3);   f
+    w + x + y == -z^3 + x^2 - y^2
+    sage: f.variables()
+    (w, x, y, z)
+
+LaTeX output::
+
+    sage: latex(x^(3/5) >= pi)
+    x^{\frac{3}{5}} \geq \pi
+
+When working with the symbolic complex number `I`, notice that comparisons do not
+automatically simplify even in trivial situations::
+
+    sage: SR(I)^2 == -1
+    -1 == -1
+    sage: SR(I)^2 < 0
+    -1 < 0
+    sage: (SR(I)+1)^4 > 0
+    -4 > 0
+
+Nevertheless, if you force the comparison, you get the right answer (:issue:`7160`)::
+
+    sage: bool(SR(I)^2 == -1)
+    True
+    sage: bool(SR(I)^2 < 0)
+    True
+    sage: bool((SR(I)+1)^4 > 0)
+    False
+
+More Examples
+-------------
+
+::
+
+    sage: x,y,a = var('x,y,a')
+    sage: f = x^2 + y^2 == 1
+    sage: f.solve(x)
+    [x == -sqrt(-y^2 + 1), x == sqrt(-y^2 + 1)]
+
+::
+
+    sage: f = x^5 + a
+    sage: solve(f==0,x)
+    [x == 1/4*(-a)^(1/5)*(sqrt(5) + I*sqrt(2*sqrt(5) + 10) - 1), x == -1/4*(-a)^(1/5)*(sqrt(5) - I*sqrt(-2*sqrt(5) + 10) + 1), x == -1/4*(-a)^(1/5)*(sqrt(5) + I*sqrt(-2*sqrt(5) + 10) + 1), x == 1/4*(-a)^(1/5)*(sqrt(5) - I*sqrt(2*sqrt(5) + 10) - 1), x == (-a)^(1/5)]
+
+You can also do arithmetic with inequalities, as illustrated
+below::
+
+    sage: var('x y')
+    (x, y)
+    sage: f = x + 3 == y - 2
+    sage: f
+    x + 3 == y - 2
+    sage: g = f - 3; g
+    x == y - 5
+    sage: h =  x^3 + sqrt(2) == x*y*sin(x)
+    sage: h
+    x^3 + sqrt(2) == x*y*sin(x)
+    sage: h - sqrt(2)
+    x^3 == x*y*sin(x) - sqrt(2)
+    sage: h + f
+    x^3 + x + sqrt(2) + 3 == x*y*sin(x) + y - 2
+    sage: f = x + 3 < y - 2
+    sage: g = 2 < x+10
+    sage: f - g
+    x + 1 < -x + y - 12
+    sage: f + g
+    x + 5 < x + y + 8
+    sage: f*(-1)
+    -x - 3 < -y + 2
+
+TESTS:
+
+We test serializing symbolic equations::
+
+    sage: eqn = x^3 + 2/3 >= x
+    sage: loads(dumps(eqn))
+    x^3 + 2/3 >= x
+    sage: loads(dumps(eqn)) == eqn
+    True
+
+AUTHORS:
+
+- Bobby Moretti: initial version (based on a trick that Robert
+  Bradshaw suggested).
+
+- William Stein: second version
+
+- William Stein (2007-07-16): added arithmetic with symbolic equations
+"""
+import operator
+from itertools import product
+
+
+def check_relation_maxima(relation):
+    """
+    Return ``True`` if this (in)equality is definitely true. Return ``False``
+    if it is false or the algorithm for testing (in)equality is inconclusive.
+
+    EXAMPLES::
+
+        sage: from sage.symbolic.relation import check_relation_maxima
+        sage: k = var('k')
+        sage: pol = 1/(k-1) - 1/k -1/k/(k-1)
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(pol == 0)
+        True
+        sage: f = sin(x)^2 + cos(x)^2 - 1
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(f == 0)
+        True
+        sage: check_relation_maxima( x == x )
+        True
+        sage: check_relation_maxima( x != x )
+        False
+        sage: check_relation_maxima( x > x )
+        False
+        sage: check_relation_maxima( x^2 > x )
+        False
+        sage: check_relation_maxima( x + 2 > x )
+        True
+        sage: check_relation_maxima( x - 2 > x )
+        False
+
+    Here are some examples involving assumptions::
+
+        sage: x, y, z = var('x, y, z')
+        sage: assume(x>=y,y>=z,z>=x)
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(x==z)
+        True
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(z<x)
+        False
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(z>y)
+        False
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(y==z)
+        True
+        sage: forget()
+        sage: assume(x>=1,x<=1)
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(x==1)
+        True
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(x>1)
+        False
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(x>=1)
+        True
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(x!=1)
+        False
+        sage: forget()
+        sage: assume(x>0)
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(x==0)
+        False
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(x>-1)
+        True
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(x!=0)
+        True
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(x!=1)
+        False
+        sage: forget()
+
+    Here is an example that illustrates that ``False`` may mean inconclusive::
+
+        sage: x = SR.var('x')
+        sage: assume(x, 'integer')
+        sage: check_relation_maxima( x == 1 )
+        False
+        sage: check_relation_maxima( x != 1 )
+        False
+        sage: assume( x > 2 )
+        sage: check_relation_maxima( x != 1 )
+        True
+        sage: forget()
+
+    TESTS:
+
+    Ensure that ``canonicalize_radical()`` and ``simplify_log`` are not
+    used inappropriately, :issue:`17389`. Either one would simplify ``f``
+    to zero below::
+
+        sage: x,y = SR.var('x,y')
+        sage: assume(y, 'complex')
+        sage: f = log(x*y) - (log(x) + log(y))
+        sage: f(x=-1, y=i)
+        -2*I*pi
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(f == 0)
+        False
+        sage: forget()
+
+    Ensure that the ``sqrt(x^2)`` -> ``abs(x)`` simplification is not
+    performed when testing equality::
+
+        sage: assume(x, 'complex')
+        sage: f = sqrt(x^2) - abs(x)
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(f == 0)
+        False
+        sage: forget()
+
+    If assumptions are made, ``simplify_rectform()`` is used::
+
+        sage: assume(x, 'real')
+        sage: f1 = ( e^(I*x) - e^(-I*x) ) / ( I*e^(I*x) + I*e^(-I*x) )
+        sage: f2 = sin(x)/cos(x)
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(f1 - f2 == 0)
+        True
+        sage: forget()
+
+    But not if ``x`` itself is complex::
+
+        sage: assume(x, 'complex')
+        sage: f1 = ( e^(I*x) - e^(-I*x) ) / ( I*e^(I*x) + I*e^(-I*x) )
+        sage: f2 = sin(x)/cos(x)
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(f1 - f2 == 0)
+        False
+        sage: forget()
+
+    If assumptions are made, then ``simplify_factorial()`` is used::
+
+        sage: n,k = SR.var('n,k')
+        sage: assume(n, 'integer')
+        sage: assume(k, 'integer')
+        sage: f1 = factorial(n+1)/factorial(n)
+        sage: f2 = n + 1
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(f1 - f2 == 0)
+        True
+        sage: forget()
+
+    In case an equation is to be solved for non-integers, ''assume()''
+    is used::
+
+        sage: k = var('k')
+        sage: assume(k,'noninteger')
+        sage: solve([k^3==1],k)
+        [k == 1/2*I*sqrt(3) - 1/2, k == -1/2*I*sqrt(3) - 1/2]
+        sage: assumptions()
+        [k is noninteger]
+
+    Check that boolean values are handled correctly::
+
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(2 == 2)
+        True
+        sage: check_relation_maxima(2 == 3)
+        False
+    """
+    # Handle boolean values directly (e.g., when comparing Python integers)
+    if isinstance(relation, bool):
+        return relation
+
+    from sage.interfaces.maxima_lib import test_max_equal, test_max_notequal, test_max_relation
+
+    if relation.operator() == operator.eq:  # operator is equality
+        try:
+            s = test_max_equal(relation.lhs(),relation.rhs())
+        except TypeError:
+            raise ValueError("unable to evaluate the predicate '%s'" % repr(relation))
+
+    elif relation.operator() == operator.ne:  # operator is not equal
+        try:
+            s = test_max_notequal(relation.lhs(),relation.rhs())
+        except TypeError:
+            raise ValueError("unable to evaluate the predicate '%s'" % repr(relation))
+
+    else:  # operator is < or > or <= or >=, which Maxima handles fine
+        try:
+            # For inequalities, use the full relation string
+            s = test_max_relation(relation)
+        except TypeError:
+            raise ValueError("unable to evaluate the predicate '%s'" % repr(relation))
+
+    if s is True:
+        return True
+    elif s is False:
+        return False  # if neither of these, s=='unknown' and we try a few other tricks
+
+    if relation.operator() != operator.eq:
+        return False
+
+    difference = relation.lhs() - relation.rhs()
+    if difference.is_trivial_zero():
+        return True
+
+    # Try simplify_full() to see if left - right == 0.
+    # Note: simplify_full() does not include simplify_log(), which is
+    # unsafe for complex variables, so this is safe to call here.
+    try:
+        if difference.simplify_full().is_trivial_zero():
+            return True
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+    return False
+
+
+def check_relation_maxima_neq_as_not_eq(relation):
+    """
+    A variant of :func:`check_relation_maxima` that treats `x != y`
+    as `not (x == y)` for consistency with Python's boolean semantics.
+
+    For inequality relations (!=), this function checks the corresponding
+    equality and returns its logical negation, ensuring that
+    ``bool(x != y) == not bool(x == y)``.
+
+    EXAMPLES::
+
+        sage: from sage.symbolic.relation import check_relation_maxima_neq_as_not_eq
+        sage: x = var('x')
+        sage: check_relation_maxima_neq_as_not_eq(x != x)
+        False
+        sage: check_relation_maxima_neq_as_not_eq(x == x)
+        True
+        sage: check_relation_maxima_neq_as_not_eq(x != 1)
+        True
+        sage: check_relation_maxima_neq_as_not_eq(x == 1)
+        False
+    """
+    # For inequality (!=), check equality and return the opposite.
+    # This ensures bool(x != y) == not bool(x == y) for semantic consistency.
+    if relation.operator() == operator.ne:
+        from sage.interfaces.maxima_lib import test_max_equal
+        return test_max_equal(relation.lhs(), relation.rhs()) is not True
+
+    # For all other relations, delegate to check_relation_maxima
+    return check_relation_maxima(relation)
+
+
+def string_to_list_of_solutions(s):
+    r"""
+    Used internally by the symbolic solve command to convert the output
+    of Maxima's solve command to a list of solutions in Sage's symbolic
+    package.
+
+    EXAMPLES:
+
+    We derive the (monic) quadratic formula::
+
+        sage: var('x,a,b')
+        (x, a, b)
+        sage: solve(x^2 + a*x + b == 0, x)
+        [x == -1/2*a - 1/2*sqrt(a^2 - 4*b), x == -1/2*a + 1/2*sqrt(a^2 - 4*b)]
+
+    Behind the scenes when the above is evaluated the function
+    :func:`string_to_list_of_solutions` is called with input the
+    string `s` below::
+
+        sage: s = '[x=-(sqrt(a^2-4*b)+a)/2,x=(sqrt(a^2-4*b)-a)/2]'
+        sage: sage.symbolic.relation.string_to_list_of_solutions(s)
+         [x == -1/2*a - 1/2*sqrt(a^2 - 4*b), x == -1/2*a + 1/2*sqrt(a^2 - 4*b)]
+    """
+    from sage.calculus.calculus import symbolic_expression_from_maxima_string
+    from sage.categories.objects import Objects
+    from sage.structure.sequence import Sequence
+    v = symbolic_expression_from_maxima_string(s, equals_sub=True)
+    return Sequence(v, universe=Objects(), cr_str=True)
+
+
+def _normalize_to_relational(f):
+    """
+    Normalize the input to a relational expression or a list of relational expressions.
+
+    TESTS::
+
+        sage: from sage.symbolic.relation import _normalize_to_relational
+        sage: x, y = var('x, y')
+        sage: _normalize_to_relational(x == 1)
+        x == 1
+        sage: _normalize_to_relational([x == 1, y == 2])
+        [x == 1, y == 2]
+        sage: _normalize_to_relational(x - 1)
+        x - 1 == 0
+        sage: _normalize_to_relational([x - 1, y - 2])
+        [x - 1 == 0, y - 2 == 0]
+        sage: _normalize_to_relational((x - 1, y - 2))
+        [x - 1 == 0, y - 2 == 0]
+        sage: _normalize_to_relational(1)
+        False
+    """
+    if isinstance(f, (list, tuple)):
+        return [_normalize_to_relational(g) for g in f]
+    from sage.symbolic.expression import Expression
+    if isinstance(f, bool) or (isinstance(f, Expression) and f.is_relational()):
+        return f
+    return f == 0
+
+
+def _normalize_to_nonrelational(f):
+    """
+    Normalize the input to a non-relational expression or a list of non-relational expressions.
+
+    TESTS::
+
+        sage: from sage.symbolic.relation import _normalize_to_nonrelational
+        sage: x, y = var('x, y')
+        sage: _normalize_to_nonrelational(x == 1)
+        x - 1
+        sage: _normalize_to_nonrelational([x == 1, y == 2])
+        [x - 1, y - 2]
+        sage: _normalize_to_nonrelational(x - 1)
+        x - 1
+        sage: _normalize_to_nonrelational([x - 1, y - 2])
+        [x - 1, y - 2]
+        sage: _normalize_to_nonrelational((x - 1, y - 2))
+        [x - 1, y - 2]
+        sage: _normalize_to_nonrelational(1)
+        1
+        sage: _normalize_to_nonrelational(True)
+        0
+        sage: _normalize_to_nonrelational(False)
+        1
+    """
+    if isinstance(f, (list, tuple)):
+        return [_normalize_to_nonrelational(g) for g in f]
+    if isinstance(f, bool):
+        return 0 if f else 1
+    from sage.symbolic.expression import Expression
+    if isinstance(f, Expression) and f.is_relational():
+        assert f.operator() == operator.eq
+        return f.lhs() - f.rhs()
+    return f
+
+
+def _normalize_to_list_expressions(f) -> list:
+    """
+    Normalize either a single equation or a list of equations into a list of
+    equations.
+
+    TESTS::
+
+        sage: from sage.symbolic.relation import _normalize_to_list_expressions
+        sage: x, y = var('x, y')
+        sage: _normalize_to_list_expressions(x == 1)
+        [x == 1]
+        sage: _normalize_to_list_expressions([x == 1, y == 2])
+        [x == 1, y == 2]
+        sage: _normalize_to_list_expressions({})
+        Traceback (most recent call last):
+        ...
+        TypeError: must be a symbolic expression or a list of symbolic expressions
+    """
+    from sage.symbolic.expression import Expression
+    if isinstance(f, (Expression, bool)):
+        f = [f]
+    if not isinstance(f, (list, tuple)) or not all(isinstance(s, (Expression, bool)) for s in f):
+        raise TypeError("must be a symbolic expression or a list of symbolic expressions")
+    return f
+
+
+###########
+# Solving #
+###########
+
+
+def solve(f, *args, explicit_solutions=None, multiplicities=None, to_poly_solve=None,
+          solution_dict=False, algorithm=None, domain=None):
+    r"""
+    Algebraically solve an equation or system of equations (over the
+    complex numbers) for given variables. Inequalities and systems
+    of inequalities are also supported.
+
+    INPUT:
+
+    - ``f`` -- equation or system of equations (given by a list or tuple)
+
+    - ``*args`` -- variables to solve for
+
+    - ``solution_dict`` -- boolean (default: ``False``); if ``True`` or nonzero,
+      return a list of dictionaries containing the solutions. If there
+      are no solutions, return an empty list (rather than a list containing
+      an empty dictionary). Likewise, if there's only a single solution,
+      return a list containing one dictionary with that solution.
+
+    There are a few optional keywords if you are trying to solve a single
+    equation.  They may only be used in that context.
+
+    - ``multiplicities`` -- boolean (default: ``False``); if True,
+      return corresponding multiplicities.  This keyword is
+      incompatible with ``to_poly_solve=True`` and does not make
+      any sense when solving inequalities.
+
+    - ``explicit_solutions`` -- boolean (default: ``False``); require that
+      all roots be explicit rather than implicit. Not used
+      when solving inequalities.
+
+    - ``to_poly_solve`` -- boolean (default: ``False``) or string; use
+      Maxima's ``to_poly_solver`` package to search for more possible
+      solutions, but possibly encounter approximate solutions.
+      This keyword is incompatible with ``multiplicities=True``
+      and is not used when solving inequalities. Setting ``to_poly_solve``
+      to 'force' (string) omits Maxima's solve command (useful when
+      some solutions of trigonometric equations are lost).
+
+    - ``algorithm`` -- string (default: ``'maxima'``); to use SymPy's
+      solvers set this to 'sympy'. Note that SymPy is always used
+      for diophantine equations. Another choice, if it is installed,
+      is 'giac'.
+
+    - ``domain`` -- string (default: ``'complex'``); setting this to 'real'
+      changes the way SymPy solves single equations; inequalities
+      are always solved in the real domain.
+
+    EXAMPLES::
+
+        sage: x, y = var('x, y')
+        sage: solve([x+y==6, x-y==4], x, y)
+        [[x == 5, y == 1]]
+        sage: solve([x^2+y^2 == 1, y^2 == x^3 + x + 1], x, y)
+        [[x == -1/2*I*sqrt(3) - 1/2, y == -sqrt(-1/2*I*sqrt(3) + 3/2)],
+         [x == -1/2*I*sqrt(3) - 1/2, y == sqrt(-1/2*I*sqrt(3) + 3/2)],
+         [x == 1/2*I*sqrt(3) - 1/2, y == -sqrt(1/2*I*sqrt(3) + 3/2)],
+         [x == 1/2*I*sqrt(3) - 1/2, y == sqrt(1/2*I*sqrt(3) + 3/2)],
+         [x == 0, y == -1],
+         [x == 0, y == 1]]
+        sage: solve([sqrt(x) + sqrt(y) == 5, x + y == 10], x, y)
+        [[x == -5/2*I*sqrt(5) + 5, y == 5/2*I*sqrt(5) + 5], [x == 5/2*I*sqrt(5) + 5, y == -5/2*I*sqrt(5) + 5]]
+        sage: solutions = solve([x^2+y^2 == 1, y^2 == x^3 + x + 1], x, y, solution_dict=True)
+        sage: for solution in solutions: print("{} , {}".format(solution[x].n(digits=3), solution[y].n(digits=3)))
+        -0.500 - 0.866*I , -1.27 + 0.341*I
+        -0.500 - 0.866*I , 1.27 - 0.341*I
+        -0.500 + 0.866*I , -1.27 - 0.341*I
+        -0.500 + 0.866*I , 1.27 + 0.341*I
+        0.000 , -1.00
+        0.000 , 1.00
+
+    Whenever possible, answers will be symbolic, but with systems of
+    equations, at times approximations will be given by Maxima, due to the
+    underlying algorithm::
+
+        sage: sols = solve([x^3==y,y^2==x], [x,y]); sols[-1], sols[0] # abs tol 1e-15
+        ([x == 0, y == 0],
+         [x == (0.3090169943749475 + 0.9510565162951535*I),
+          y == (-0.8090169943749475 - 0.5877852522924731*I)])
+        sage: sols[0][0].rhs().pyobject().parent()
+        Complex Double Field
+
+        sage: solve([y^6==y],y)
+        [y == 1/4*sqrt(5) + 1/4*I*sqrt(2*sqrt(5) + 10) - 1/4,
+         y == -1/4*sqrt(5) + 1/4*I*sqrt(-2*sqrt(5) + 10) - 1/4,
+         y == -1/4*sqrt(5) - 1/4*I*sqrt(-2*sqrt(5) + 10) - 1/4,
+         y == 1/4*sqrt(5) - 1/4*I*sqrt(2*sqrt(5) + 10) - 1/4,
+         y == 1,
+         y == 0]
+        sage: solve( [y^6 == y], y)==solve( y^6 == y, y)
+        True
+
+    Here we demonstrate very basic use of the optional keywords::
+
+        sage: ((x^2-1)^2).solve(x)
+        [x == -1, x == 1]
+        sage: ((x^2-1)^2).solve(x,multiplicities=True)
+        ([x == -1, x == 1], [2, 2])
+        sage: solve(sin(x)==x,x)
+        [x == sin(x)]
+        sage: solve(sin(x)==x,x,explicit_solutions=True)
+        []
+        sage: solve(abs(1-abs(1-x)) == 10, x)
+        [abs(abs(x - 1) - 1) == 10]
+        sage: solve(abs(1-abs(1-x)) == 10, x, to_poly_solve=True)
+        [x == -10, x == 12]
+
+        sage: from sage.symbolic.expression import Expression
+        sage: Expression.solve(x^2==1,x)
+        [x == -1, x == 1]
+
+    We must solve with respect to actual variables::
+
+        sage: z = 5
+        sage: solve([8*z + y == 3, -z +7*y == 0],y,z)
+        Traceback (most recent call last):
+        ...
+        TypeError: 5 is not a valid variable
+
+    If we ask for dictionaries containing the solutions, we get them::
+
+        sage: solve([x^2-1],x,solution_dict=True)
+        [{x: -1}, {x: 1}]
+        sage: solve([x^2-4*x+4],x,solution_dict=True)
+        [{x: 2}]
+        sage: res = solve([x^2 == y, y == 4],x,y,solution_dict=True)
+        sage: for soln in res: print("x: %s, y: %s" % (soln[x], soln[y]))
+        x: 2, y: 4
+        x: -2, y: 4
+
+    If there is a parameter in the answer, that will show up as
+    a new variable.  In the following example, ``r1`` is an arbitrary
+    constant (because of the ``r``)::
+
+        sage: forget()
+        sage: x, y = var('x,y')
+        sage: solve([x+y == 3, 2*x+2*y == 6],x,y)
+        [[x == -r1 + 3, y == r1]]
+
+        sage: var('b, c')
+        (b, c)
+        sage: solve((b-1)*(c-1), [b,c])
+        [[b == 1, c == r...], [b == r..., c == 1]]
+
+    Especially with trigonometric functions, the dummy variable may
+    be implicitly an integer (hence the ``z``)::
+
+        sage: solve( sin(x)==cos(x), x, to_poly_solve=True)
+        [x == 1/4*pi + pi*z...]
+        sage: solve([cos(x)*sin(x) == 1/2, x+y == 0],x,y)
+        [[x == 1/4*pi + pi*z..., y == -1/4*pi - pi*z...]]
+
+    Expressions which are not equations are assumed to be set equal
+    to zero, as with `x` in the following example::
+
+        sage: solve([x, y == 2],x,y)
+        [[x == 0, y == 2]]
+
+    If ``True`` appears in the list of equations it is
+    ignored, and if ``False`` appears in the list then no
+    solutions are returned. E.g., note that the first
+    ``3==3`` evaluates to ``True``, not to a
+    symbolic equation.
+
+    ::
+
+        sage: solve([3==3, 1.00000000000000*x^3 == 0], x)
+        [x == 0]
+        sage: solve([1.00000000000000*x^3 == 0], x)
+        [x == 0]
+
+    Here, the first equation evaluates to ``False``, so
+    there are no solutions::
+
+        sage: solve([1==3, 1.00000000000000*x^3 == 0], x)
+        []
+
+    Completely symbolic solutions are supported::
+
+        sage: var('s,j,b,m,g')
+        (s, j, b, m, g)
+        sage: sys = [ m*(1-s) - b*s*j, b*s*j-g*j ]
+        sage: solve(sys,s,j)
+        [[s == 1, j == 0], [s == g/b, j == (b - g)*m/(b*g)]]
+        sage: solve(sys,(s,j))
+        [[s == 1, j == 0], [s == g/b, j == (b - g)*m/(b*g)]]
+        sage: solve(sys,[s,j])
+        [[s == 1, j == 0], [s == g/b, j == (b - g)*m/(b*g)]]
+
+        sage: z = var('z')
+        sage: solve((x-z)^2==2, x)
+        [x == z - sqrt(2), x == z + sqrt(2)]
+
+    Inequalities can be also solved::
+
+        sage: solve(x^2>8,x)
+        [[x < -2*sqrt(2)], [x > 2*sqrt(2)]]
+        sage: x,y = var('x,y'); (ln(x)-ln(y)>0).solve(x)
+        [[log(x) - log(y) > 0]]
+        sage: x,y = var('x,y'); (ln(x)>ln(y)).solve(x)  # random
+        [[0 < y, y < x, 0 < x]]
+        [[y < x, 0 < y]]
+
+    A simple example to show the use of the keyword
+    ``multiplicities``::
+
+        sage: ((x^2-1)^2).solve(x)
+        [x == -1, x == 1]
+        sage: ((x^2-1)^2).solve(x,multiplicities=True)
+        ([x == -1, x == 1], [2, 2])
+        sage: ((x^2-1)^2).solve(x,multiplicities=True,to_poly_solve=True)
+        Traceback (most recent call last):
+        ...
+        NotImplementedError: to_poly_solve does not return multiplicities
+
+    Here is how the ``explicit_solutions`` keyword functions::
+
+        sage: solve(sin(x)==x,x)
+        [x == sin(x)]
+        sage: solve(sin(x)==x,x,explicit_solutions=True)
+        []
+        sage: solve(x*sin(x)==x^2,x)
+        [x == 0, x == sin(x)]
+        sage: solve(x*sin(x)==x^2,x,explicit_solutions=True)
+        [x == 0]
+
+    The following examples show the use of the keyword ``to_poly_solve``::
+
+        sage: solve(abs(1-abs(1-x)) == 10, x)
+        [abs(abs(x - 1) - 1) == 10]
+        sage: solve(abs(1-abs(1-x)) == 10, x, to_poly_solve=True)
+        [x == -10, x == 12]
+
+        sage: var('Q')
+        Q
+        sage: solve(Q*sqrt(Q^2 + 2) - 1, Q)
+        [Q == 1/sqrt(Q^2 + 2)]
+
+    The following example is a regression in Maxima 5.39.0.
+    It used to be possible to get one more solution here,
+    namely ``1/sqrt(sqrt(2) + 1)``, see
+    https://sourceforge.net/p/maxima/bugs/3276/::
+
+        sage: solve(Q*sqrt(Q^2 + 2) - 1, Q, to_poly_solve=True)
+        [Q == -sqrt(-sqrt(2) - 1), Q == sqrt(sqrt(2) + 1)*(sqrt(2) - 1)]
+
+    An effort is made to only return solutions that satisfy
+    the current assumptions::
+
+        sage: solve(x^2==4, x)
+        [x == -2, x == 2]
+        sage: assume(x<0)
+        sage: solve(x^2==4, x)
+        [x == -2]
+        sage: solve((x^2-4)^2 == 0, x, multiplicities=True)
+        ([x == -2], [2])
+        sage: solve(x^2==2, x)
+        [x == -sqrt(2)]
+        sage: z = var('z')
+        sage: solve(x^2==2-z, x)
+        [x == -sqrt(-z + 2)]
+        sage: assume(x, 'rational')
+        sage: solve(x^2 == 2, x)
+        []
+
+    In some cases it may be worthwhile to directly use ``to_poly_solve``
+    if one suspects some answers are being missed::
+
+        sage: forget()
+        sage: solve(cos(x)==0, x)
+        [x == 1/2*pi]
+        sage: solve(cos(x)==0, x, to_poly_solve=True)
+        [x == 1/2*pi]
+        sage: solve(cos(x)==0, x, to_poly_solve='force')
+        [x == 1/2*pi + pi*z...]
+
+    The same may also apply if a returned unsolved expression has a
+    denominator, but the original one did not::
+
+        sage: solve(cos(x) * sin(x) == 1/2, x, to_poly_solve=True)
+        [sin(x) == 1/2/cos(x)]
+        sage: solve(cos(x) * sin(x) == 1/2, x, to_poly_solve=True, explicit_solutions=True)
+        [x == 1/4*pi + pi*z...]
+        sage: solve(cos(x) * sin(x) == 1/2, x, to_poly_solve='force')
+        [x == 1/4*pi + pi*z...]
+
+    We use ``use_grobner`` in Maxima if no solution is obtained from
+    Maxima's ``to_poly_solve``::
+
+        sage: x,y = var('x y')
+        sage: c1(x,y) = (x-5)^2+y^2-16
+        sage: c2(x,y) = (y-3)^2+x^2-9
+        sage: solve([c1(x,y),c2(x,y)],[x,y])
+        [[x == -9/68*sqrt(55) + 135/68, y == -15/68*sqrt(55) + 123/68],
+         [x == 9/68*sqrt(55) + 135/68, y == 15/68*sqrt(55) + 123/68]]
+
+    We use SymPy for Diophantine equations, see
+    ``Expression.solve_diophantine``::
+
+        sage: assume(x, 'integer')
+        sage: assume(z, 'integer')
+        sage: solve((x-z)^2==2, x)
+        []
+
+        sage: forget()
+
+    The following shows some more of SymPy's capabilities that cannot be
+    handled by Maxima::
+
+        sage: _ = var('t')
+        sage: r = solve([x^2 - y^2/exp(x), y-1], x, y, algorithm='sympy', solution_dict=True)
+        sage: (r[0][x], r[0][y])
+        (2*lambert_w(-1/2), 1)
+        sage: solve(-2*x**3 + 4*x**2 - 2*x + 6 > 0, x, algorithm='sympy')
+        [x < 1/3*(1/2)^(1/3)*(9*sqrt(77) + 79)^(1/3) + 2/3*(1/2)^(2/3)/(9*sqrt(77) + 79)^(1/3) + 2/3]
+        sage: solve(sqrt(2*x^2 - 7) - (3 - x),x,algorithm='sympy')
+        [x == -8, x == 2]
+        sage: solve(sqrt(2*x + 9) - sqrt(x + 1) - sqrt(x + 4),x,algorithm='sympy')
+        [x == 0]
+        sage: r = solve([x + y + z + t, -z - t], x, y, z, t, algorithm='sympy', solution_dict=True)
+        sage: (r[0][x], r[0][z])
+        (-y, -t)
+        sage: r = solve([x^2+y+z, y+x^2+z, x+y+z^2], x, y,z, algorithm='sympy', solution_dict=True)
+        sage: (r[0][x], r[0][y])
+        (z, -(z + 1)*z)
+        sage: (r[1][x], r[1][y])
+        (-z + 1, -z^2 + z - 1)
+        sage: solve(abs(x + 3) - 2*abs(x - 3),x,algorithm='sympy',domain='real')
+        [x == 1, x == 9]
+
+    We cannot translate all results from SymPy but we can at least
+    print them::
+
+        sage: solve(sinh(x) - 2*cosh(x),x,algorithm='sympy')
+        [ImageSet(Lambda(_n, I*(2*_n*pi + pi/2) + log(sqrt(3))), Integers),
+         ImageSet(Lambda(_n, I*(2*_n*pi - pi/2) + log(sqrt(3))), Integers)]
+        sage: solve(2*sin(x) - 2*sin(2*x), x,algorithm='sympy')
+        [ImageSet(Lambda(_n, 2*_n*pi), Integers),
+         ImageSet(Lambda(_n, 2*_n*pi + pi), Integers),
+         ImageSet(Lambda(_n, 2*_n*pi + 5*pi/3), Integers),
+         ImageSet(Lambda(_n, 2*_n*pi + pi/3), Integers)]
+
+        sage: solve(x^5 + 3*x^3 + 7, x, algorithm='sympy')[0]
+        x == complex_root_of(x^5 + 3*x^3 + 7, 0)
+
+    A basic interface to Giac is provided::
+
+        sage: # needs sage.libs.giac
+        sage: solve([(2/3)^x-2], [x], algorithm='giac')
+        [-log(2)/(log(3) - log(2))]
+
+        sage: # needs sage.libs.giac
+        sage: f = (sin(x) - 8*cos(x)*sin(x))*(sin(x)^2 + cos(x)) - (2*cos(x)*sin(x) - sin(x))*(-2*sin(x)^2 + 2*cos(x)^2 - cos(x))
+        sage: solve(f, x, algorithm='giac')
+        [-2*arctan(sqrt(2)), 0, 2*arctan(sqrt(2)), pi]
+
+        sage: # needs sage.libs.giac
+        sage: x, y = SR.var('x,y')
+        sage: solve([x+y-4,x*y-3],[x,y],algorithm='giac')
+        [[1, 3], [3, 1]]
+
+    TESTS::
+
+        sage: solve([sin(x)==x,y^2==x],x,y)
+        [sin(x) == x, y^2 == x]
+        sage: solve(0==1,x)
+        []
+
+    Test if the empty list is returned, too, when (a list of)
+    dictionaries (is) are requested (:issue:`8553`)::
+
+        sage: solve([SR(0)==1],x)
+        []
+        sage: solve([SR(0)==1],x,solution_dict=True)
+        []
+        sage: solve([x==1,x==-1],x)
+        []
+        sage: solve([x==1,x==-1],x,solution_dict=True)
+        []
+        sage: solve((x==1,x==-1),x,solution_dict=0)
+        []
+
+    Relaxed form, suggested by Mike Hansen (:issue:`8553`)::
+
+        sage: solve([x^2-1],x,solution_dict=-1)
+        [{x: -1}, {x: 1}]
+        sage: solve([x^2-1],x,solution_dict=1)
+        [{x: -1}, {x: 1}]
+        sage: solve((x==1,x==-1),x,solution_dict=-1)
+        []
+        sage: solve((x==1,x==-1),x,solution_dict=1)
+        []
+
+    This inequality holds for any real ``x`` (:issue:`8078`)::
+
+        sage: solve(x^4+2>0,x)
+        [x < +Infinity]
+
+    Test for user friendly input handling :issue:`13645`::
+
+        sage: poly.<a,b> = PolynomialRing(RR)
+        sage: solve([a+b+a*b == 1], a)
+        Traceback (most recent call last):
+        ...
+        TypeError: a is not a valid variable
+        sage: a,b = var('a,b')
+        sage: solve([a+b+a*b == 1], a)
+        [a == -(b - 1)/(b + 1)]
+        sage: solve([a, b], (1, a))
+        Traceback (most recent call last):
+        ...
+        TypeError: 1 is not a valid variable
+        sage: solve([x == 1], (1, a))
+        Traceback (most recent call last):
+        ...
+        TypeError: 1 is not a valid variable
+        sage: x.solve((1,2))
+        Traceback (most recent call last):
+        ...
+        TypeError: 1 is not a valid variable
+
+    Test that the original version of a system in the French Sage book
+    now works (:issue:`14306`)::
+
+        sage: var('y,z')
+        (y, z)
+        sage: solve([x^2 * y * z == 18, x * y^3 * z == 24, x * y * z^4 == 6], x, y, z)
+        [[x == 3, y == 2, z == 1],
+         [x == (1.337215067... - 2.685489874...*I),
+          y == (-1.700434271... + 1.052864325...*I),
+          z == (0.9324722294... - 0.3612416661...*I)],
+         ...]
+
+    :issue:`13286` fixed::
+
+        sage: solve([x-4], [x])
+        [x == 4]
+
+    Test for a list of non-symbolic expressions as first argument
+    (:issue:`31714`)::
+
+        sage: solve([1], x)
+        Traceback (most recent call last):
+        ...
+        TypeError: must be a symbolic expression or a list of symbolic expressions
+
+    Automatic computation of the variables to solve for::
+
+        sage: var("x y")
+        (x, y)
+        sage: solve(x==1)
+        [x == 1]
+        sage: solve([x == 1, y == 2])  # random
+        [[y == 2, x == 1]]
+        sage: assert solve([x == 1, y == 2]) in ([[x == 1, y == 2]], [[y == 2, x == 1]])
+        sage: solve([x == 1])
+        [x == 1]
+        sage: solve(x == 1)
+        [x == 1]
+
+    Special case::
+
+        sage: solve([], [])
+        [[]]
+
+    Coverage test::
+
+        sage: y = function('y')(x)
+        sage: solve([diff(y)==x, diff(y)==x], y)
+        Traceback (most recent call last):
+        ...
+        TypeError: y(x) is not a valid variable
+        sage: solve([0==1], x, multiplicities=True)
+        ([], [])
+        sage: solve([0==0], [], multiplicities=True)
+        ([[]], [1])
+        sage: var("x y")
+        (x, y)
+        sage: solve([x==1, y==2], [x, y], algorithm='sympy', solution_dict=True)
+        [{x: 1, y: 2}]
+        sage: solve([x==1, y==2], [x, y], algorithm='sympy')
+        [[x == 1, y == 2]]
+    """
+    from sage.structure.element import Expression
+    f = _normalize_to_list_expressions(f)
+
+    # Normalize x to list of variables
+    if not args:
+        x = None
+    else:
+        x = args
+        if len(x) == 1 and (isinstance(x[0], (list, tuple)) or x[0] is None):
+            x = x[0]
+    if x is None:
+        x = list({v for s in f for v in s.variables()})
+
+    require_all_variables_to_be_symbol = len(f) > 1
+    # we support y = function('y')(x); solve(diff(y)==x, y), in this case y = y(x) is not a symbol
+    # but only if one equation is provided, otherwise it's unimplemented
+    # there is also desolve()
+    for i in x:
+        complain = False
+        if not isinstance(i, Expression):
+            complain = True
+        elif require_all_variables_to_be_symbol and not i.is_symbol():
+            complain = True
+        if complain:
+            raise TypeError(f"{i} is not a valid variable")
+
+    # Handle special cases
+    f = [s for s in f if s is not True]
+    if any(s is False for s in f):
+        if multiplicities:
+            return [], []
+        else:
+            return []
+
+    if not x:
+        if multiplicities:
+            from sage.rings.integer_ring import ZZ
+            return [[]], [ZZ.one()]
+        else:
+            return [[]]
+
+    if len(f) == 1:
+        return _solve_expression(f[0], x, explicit_solutions, multiplicities, to_poly_solve, solution_dict, algorithm, domain)
+
+    if algorithm == 'sympy':
+        from sympy import solve as ssolve
+
+        from sage.interfaces.sympy import sympy_set_to_list
+        sympy_f = [s._sympy_() for s in f]
+        sympy_vars = tuple([v._sympy_() for v in x])
+        ret = ssolve(sympy_f, sympy_vars, dict=True)
+        if isinstance(ret, dict):
+            # it is not clear how this branch could be reached
+            # because dict=True is passed above, however
+            # it is kept just in case
+            if solution_dict:
+                l = []
+                for d in ret:
+                    r = {}
+                    for (v, ex) in d.items():
+                        r[v._sage_()] = ex._sage_()
+                    l.append(r)
+                return l
+            else:
+                return [[v._sage_() == ex._sage_()
+                         for v, ex in d.items()]
+                        for d in ret]
+        elif isinstance(ret, list):
+            if solution_dict:
+                return [{v._sage_(): ex._sage_()
+                         for v, ex in d.items()} for d in ret]
+            else:
+                return [[v._sage_() == ex._sage_()
+                         for v, ex in d.items()] for d in ret]
+        else:
+            # it is not clear how this branch could be reached
+            # because dict=True is passed above, however
+            # it is kept just in case
+            return sympy_set_to_list(ret, sympy_vars)
+
+    if algorithm == 'giac':
+        return _giac_solver(f, x, solution_dict)
+
+    from sage.calculus.calculus import maxima
+    m = maxima(f)
+
+    try:
+        s = m.solve(x)
+    except Exception:  # if Maxima gave an error, try its to_poly_solve
+        try:
+            s = m.to_poly_solve(x)
+        except TypeError as mess:  # if that gives an error, raise an error.
+            if "Error executing code in Maxima" in str(mess):
+                raise ValueError(f"sage is unable to determine whether the system {f} can be solved for {x}")
+            else:
+                raise
+
+    if len(s) == 0:  # if Maxima's solve gave no solutions, try its to_poly_solve
+        try:
+            s = m.to_poly_solve(x)
+        except Exception:  # if that gives an error, stick with no solutions
+            s = []
+
+    if len(s) == 0:  # if to_poly_solve gave no solutions, try use_grobner
+        try:
+            s = m.to_poly_solve(x, 'use_grobner=true')
+        except Exception:  # if that gives an error, stick with no solutions
+            s = []
+
+    sol_list = string_to_list_of_solutions(repr(s))
+
+    # Relaxed form suggested by Mike Hansen (#8553):
+    if solution_dict:
+        if not sol_list:  # fixes IndexError on empty solution list (#8553)
+            return []
+        if isinstance(sol_list[0], list):
+            sol_dict = [{eq.left(): eq.right() for eq in solution}
+                        for solution in sol_list]
+        else:
+            sol_dict = [{eq.left(): eq.right()} for eq in sol_list]
+
+        return sol_dict
+    else:
+        return sol_list
+
+
+def _solve_expression(f, x, explicit_solutions, multiplicities,
+                      to_poly_solve, solution_dict, algorithm, domain):
+    """
+    Solve an expression ``f``. For more information, see :func:`solve`.
+
+    .. NOTE::
+
+        This is an auxiliary function only meant to be called
+        from :func:`solve`.
+
+    TESTS:
+
+    :issue:`7325` (solving inequalities)::
+
+        sage: (x^2>1).solve(x)
+        [[x < -1], [x > 1]]
+
+    Catch error message from Maxima::
+
+        sage: solve(acot(x),x)
+        Traceback (most recent call last):
+        ...
+        TypeError: ECL says: cot: argument 0 isn't in the domain of cot.
+
+    ::
+
+        sage: solve(acot(x),x,to_poly_solve=True)
+        Traceback (most recent call last):
+        ...
+        TypeError: ECL says: cot: argument 0 isn't in the domain of cot.
+
+    :issue:`7491` fixed::
+
+        sage: y = var('y')
+        sage: solve(y==y,y)
+        [y == r1]
+        sage: solve(y==y,y,multiplicities=True)
+        ([y == r1], [])
+
+        sage: from sage.symbolic.assumptions import GenericDeclaration
+        sage: GenericDeclaration(x, 'rational').assume()
+        sage: solve(x^2 == 2, x)
+        []
+        sage: forget()
+
+    :issue:`8390` fixed::
+
+        sage: solve(sin(x)==1/2,x)
+        [x == 1/6*pi]
+
+    ::
+
+        sage: solve(sin(x)==1/2,x,to_poly_solve=True)
+        [x == 1/6*pi]
+
+    ::
+
+        sage: solve(sin(x)==1/2, x, to_poly_solve='force')
+        [x == 5/6*pi + 2*pi*z..., x == 1/6*pi + 2*pi*z...]
+
+    :issue:`11618` fixed::
+
+        sage: g(x)=0
+        sage: solve(g(x)==0,x,solution_dict=True)
+        [{x: r1}]
+
+    :issue:`17128`: fixed::
+
+        sage: var('x,y')
+        (x, y)
+        sage: f = x+y
+        sage: sol = f.solve([x, y], solution_dict=True)
+        sage: sol[0].get(x) + sol[0].get(y)
+        0
+
+    :issue:`16651` fixed::
+
+        sage: (x^7-x-1).solve(x, to_poly_solve=True)     # abs tol 1e-6
+        [x == 1.11277569705,
+         x == (-0.363623519329 - 0.952561195261*I),
+         x == (0.617093477784 - 0.900864951949*I),
+         x == (-0.809857800594 - 0.262869645851*I),
+         x == (-0.809857800594 + 0.262869645851*I),
+         x == (0.617093477784 + 0.900864951949*I),
+         x == (-0.363623519329 + 0.952561195261*I)]
+
+    :issue:`31452` fixed::
+
+        sage: solve([x==3], [x], solution_dict=True)
+        [{x: 3}]
+        sage: solve([x==3], [x], solution_dict=True, algorithm='sympy')
+        [{x: 3}]
+    """
+    from sage.structure.element import Expression
+
+    if isinstance(x, (list, tuple)) and len(x) == 1:
+        x = x[0]
+
+    if f.is_relational():
+        if f.operator() is not operator.eq:
+            if algorithm == 'sympy':
+                from sympy import S, solveset
+
+                from sage.interfaces.sympy import sympy_set_to_list
+                if isinstance(x, Expression) and x.is_symbol():
+                    sympy_vars = (x._sympy_(),)
+                else:
+                    sympy_vars = tuple([v._sympy_() for v in x])
+                ret = solveset(f._sympy_(), sympy_vars[0], S.Reals)
+                return sympy_set_to_list(ret, sympy_vars)
+            elif algorithm == 'giac':
+                return _giac_solver(f, x, solution_dict)
+            else:
+                try:
+                    return solve_ineq(f)  # trying solve_ineq_univar
+                except Exception:
+                    pass
+                try:
+                    return solve_ineq([f])  # trying solve_ineq_fourier
+                except Exception:
+                    raise NotImplementedError("solving only implemented for equalities and few special inequalities, see solve_ineq")
+    else:
+        f = (f == 0)
+
+    if multiplicities and to_poly_solve:
+        raise NotImplementedError("to_poly_solve does not return multiplicities")
+    # check if all variables are assumed integer;
+    # if so, we have a Diophantine
+
+    def has_integer_assumption(v) -> bool:
+        from sage.symbolic.assumptions import GenericDeclaration, assumptions
+        alist = assumptions()
+        return any(isinstance(a, GenericDeclaration) and a.has(v) and
+                   a._assumption in ['even', 'odd', 'integer', 'integervalued']
+                   for a in alist)
+    if f.variables() and all(has_integer_assumption(var) for var in f.variables()):
+        return f.solve_diophantine(x, solution_dict=solution_dict)
+
+    if algorithm == 'sympy':
+        from sympy import S, solveset
+
+        from sage.interfaces.sympy import sympy_set_to_list
+        if isinstance(x, Expression) and x.is_symbol():
+            sympy_vars = (x._sympy_(),)
+        else:
+            sympy_vars = tuple([v._sympy_() for v in x])
+        if domain == 'real':
+            ret = solveset(f._sympy_(), sympy_vars[0], S.Reals)
+        else:
+            ret = solveset(f._sympy_(), sympy_vars[0])
+        ret = sympy_set_to_list(ret, sympy_vars)
+        if solution_dict:
+            ret = [{sol.left(): sol.right()} for sol in ret]
+        return ret
+
+    if algorithm == 'giac':
+        return _giac_solver(f, x, solution_dict)
+
+    # from here on, maxima is used for solution
+    m = f._maxima_()
+    P = m.parent()
+    if explicit_solutions:
+        P.eval('solveexplicit: true')  # switches Maxima to looking for only explicit solutions
+    try:
+        if to_poly_solve != 'force':
+            s = m.solve(x).str()
+        else:  # omit Maxima's solve command
+            s = str([])
+    except TypeError as mess:  # if Maxima's solve has an error, we catch it
+        if "Error executing code in Maxima" in str(mess):
+            s = str([])
+        else:
+            raise
+    if explicit_solutions:
+        P.eval('solveexplicit: false')  # switches Maxima back to default
+
+    if s == 'all':
+        if solution_dict:
+            ans = [{x: f.parent().var('r1')}]
+        else:
+            ans = [x == f.parent().var('r1')]
+        if multiplicities:
+            return ans, []
+        else:
+            return ans
+
+    X = string_to_list_of_solutions(s)  # our initial list of solutions
+
+    if multiplicities:  # to_poly_solve does not return multiplicities, so in this case we end here
+        if len(X) == 0:
+            return X, []
+        else:
+            ret_multiplicities = [int(e) for e in str(P.get('multiplicities'))[1:-1].split(',')]
+
+    ########################################################
+    # Maxima's to_poly_solver package converts difficult   #
+    # equations to (quasi)-polynomial systems and uses     #
+    # Maxima's algsys function to try to solve them.       #
+    # This allows a much larger range of solved equations, #
+    # but also allows for the possibility of approximate   #
+    # solutions being returned.                            #
+    ########################################################
+    if to_poly_solve:
+        if len(X) == 0:
+            # Maxima's solve gave no solutions
+            solutions_so_far = [f]
+            ignore_exceptions = True
+        else:
+            solutions_so_far = X
+            ignore_exceptions = False
+        X = []
+        for eq in solutions_so_far:
+            if eq.lhs().is_symbol() and (eq.lhs() == x) and (x not in eq.rhs().variables()):
+                X.append(eq)
+                continue
+            try:
+                m = eq._maxima_()
+                s = m.to_poly_solve(x, options='algexact:true')
+                T = string_to_list_of_solutions(repr(s))
+                X.extend([t[0] for t in T])
+            except TypeError as mess:
+                if ignore_exceptions:
+                    continue
+                elif "Error executing code in Maxima" in str(mess) or \
+                     "unable to make sense of Maxima expression" in \
+                     str(mess):
+                    if not explicit_solutions:
+                        X.append(eq)  # we keep this implicit solution
+                else:
+                    raise
+
+    # make sure all the assumptions are satisfied
+    from sage.symbolic.assumptions import assumptions
+    to_check = assumptions()
+    if to_check:
+        for ix, soln in reversed(list(enumerate(X))):
+            if soln.lhs().is_symbol():
+                if any(a.contradicts(soln) for a in to_check):
+                    del X[ix]
+                    if multiplicities:
+                        del ret_multiplicities[ix]
+                    continue
+
+    if solution_dict:
+        if isinstance(x, (list, tuple)) and len(x) > 1:
+            X = [{sol.left(): sol.right() for sol in b} for b in X]
+        else:
+            X = [{sol.left(): sol.right()} for sol in X]
+
+    if multiplicities:
+        return X, ret_multiplicities
+    else:
+        return X
+
+
+def _giac_solver(f, x, solution_dict=False):
+    """
+    Solve a system of equations using libgiac.
+
+    INPUT:
+
+    - ``f`` -- equation or list of equations
+    - ``x`` -- variable or list of variables
+    - ``solution_dict`` -- boolean (default: ``False``)
+
+    EXAMPLES::
+
+        sage: # needs sage.libs.giac
+        sage: solve([(2/3)^x-2], [x], algorithm='giac')
+        [-log(2)/(log(3) - log(2))]
+        sage: solve([(2/3)^x-2], [x], algorithm='giac', solution_dict=True)
+        [{x: -log(2)/(log(3) - log(2))}]
+
+        sage: # needs sage.libs.giac
+        sage: f = (sin(x) - 8*cos(x)*sin(x))*(sin(x)^2 + cos(x)) - (2*cos(x)*sin(x) - sin(x))*(-2*sin(x)^2 + 2*cos(x)^2 - cos(x))
+        sage: solve(f, x, algorithm='giac')
+        [-2*arctan(sqrt(2)), 0, 2*arctan(sqrt(2)), pi]
+        sage: solve(f, x, algorithm='giac', solution_dict=True)
+        [{x: -2*arctan(sqrt(2))}, {x: 0}, {x: 2*arctan(sqrt(2))}, {x: pi}]
+
+        sage: # needs sage.libs.giac
+        sage: x, y = SR.var('x,y')
+        sage: solve([x+y-7,x*y-10],[x,y],algorithm='giac')
+        [[2, 5], [5, 2]]
+    """
+    from sage.libs.giac.giac import libgiac
+    f = _normalize_to_list_expressions(_normalize_to_nonrelational(f))
+    giac_f = libgiac(f)
+    if isinstance(x, tuple):
+        # Python tuple is translated to giac seq which we don't want
+        # (if its length is > 1 then the library call errors out)
+        x = list(x)
+    giac_vars = libgiac(x)
+    ret = giac_f.solve(giac_vars)
+    sols = ret.sage()
+    if solution_dict:
+        if not sols:
+            return []
+        if isinstance(sols[0], list):
+            return [dict(zip(x, solution)) for solution in sols]
+        return [{x: sx} for sx in sols]
+    return sols
+
+
+def solve_mod(eqns, modulus, solution_dict=False):
+    r"""
+    Return all solutions to an equation or list of equations modulo the
+    given integer modulus. Each equation must involve only polynomials
+    in 1 or many variables.
+
+    By default the solutions are returned as `n`-tuples, where `n`
+    is the number of variables appearing anywhere in the given
+    equations. The variables are in alphabetical order.
+
+    INPUT:
+
+    - ``eqns`` -- equation or list of equations
+
+    - ``modulus`` -- integer
+
+    - ``solution_dict`` -- boolean (default: ``False``); if ``True`` or nonzero,
+      return a list of dictionaries containing the solutions. If there
+      are no solutions, return an empty list (rather than a list containing
+      an empty dictionary). Likewise, if there's only a single solution,
+      return a list containing one dictionary with that solution.
+
+    EXAMPLES::
+
+        sage: var('x,y')
+        (x, y)
+        sage: solve_mod([x^2 + 2 == x, x^2 + y == y^2], 14)
+        [(4, 2), (4, 6), (4, 9), (4, 13)]
+        sage: solve_mod([x^2 == 1, 4*x  == 11], 15)
+        [(14,)]
+
+    Fermat's equation modulo 3 with exponent 5::
+
+        sage: var('x,y,z')
+        (x, y, z)
+        sage: solve_mod([x^5 + y^5 == z^5], 3)
+        [(0, 0, 0), (0, 1, 1), (0, 2, 2), (1, 0, 1), (1, 1, 2), (1, 2, 0), (2, 0, 2), (2, 1, 0), (2, 2, 1)]
+
+    We can solve with respect to a bigger modulus if it consists only of small prime factors::
+
+        sage: # needs sage.libs.pari
+        sage: [d] = solve_mod([5*x + y == 3, 2*x - 3*y == 9], 3*5*7*11*19*23*29, solution_dict=True)
+        sage: d[x]
+        12915279
+        sage: d[y]
+        8610183
+
+    For cases where there are relatively few solutions and the prime
+    factors are small, this can be efficient even if the modulus itself
+    is large::
+
+        sage: sorted(solve_mod([x^2 == 41], 10^20))                                     # needs sage.libs.pari
+        [(4538602480526452429,), (11445932736758703821,), (38554067263241296179,),
+        (45461397519473547571,), (54538602480526452429,), (61445932736758703821,),
+        (88554067263241296179,), (95461397519473547571,)]
+
+    We solve a simple equation modulo 2::
+
+        sage: x,y = var('x,y')
+        sage: solve_mod([x == y], 2)                                                    # needs sage.libs.pari
+        [(0, 0), (1, 1)]
+
+    .. warning::
+
+       The current implementation splits the modulus into prime
+       powers, then naively enumerates all possible solutions
+       (starting modulo primes and then working up through prime
+       powers), and finally combines the solution using the Chinese
+       Remainder Theorem.  The interface is good, but the algorithm is
+       very inefficient if the modulus has some larger prime factors! Sage
+       *does* have the ability to do something much faster in certain
+       cases at least by using Groebner basis, linear algebra
+       techniques, etc. But for a lot of toy problems this function as
+       is might be useful. At least it establishes an interface.
+
+    TESTS:
+
+    Make sure that we short-circuit in at least some cases::
+
+        sage: solve_mod([2*x==1], 2*next_prime(10^50))                                  # needs sage.libs.pari
+        []
+
+    Try multi-equation cases::
+
+        sage: x, y, z = var("x y z")
+        sage: solve_mod([2*x^2 + x*y, -x*y+2*y^2+x-2*y, -2*x^2+2*x*y-y^2-x-y], 12)      # needs sage.libs.pari
+        [(0, 0), (4, 4), (0, 3), (4, 7)]
+        sage: eqs = [-y^2+z^2, -x^2+y^2-3*z^2-z-1, -y*z-z^2-x-y+2, -x^2-12*z^2-y+z]
+        sage: solve_mod(eqs, 11)                                                        # needs sage.libs.pari
+        [(8, 5, 6)]
+
+    Confirm that modulus 1 now behaves as it should::
+
+        sage: x, y = var("x y")
+        sage: solve_mod([x==1], 1)                                                      # needs sage.libs.pari
+        [(0,)]
+        sage: solve_mod([2*x^2+x*y, -x*y+2*y^2+x-2*y, -2*x^2+2*x*y-y^2-x-y], 1)         # needs sage.libs.pari
+        [(0, 0)]
+    """
+    from sage.matrix.constructor import matrix
+    from sage.modules.free_module_element import vector
+    from sage.rings.finite_rings.integer_mod_ring import Integers
+    from sage.rings.integer import Integer
+    from sage.rings.integer_ring import crt_basis
+    from sage.structure.element import Expression
+
+    if not isinstance(eqns, (list, tuple)):
+        eqns = [eqns]
+    eqns = [eq if isinstance(eq, Expression) else (eq.lhs() - eq.rhs()) for eq in eqns]
+    modulus = Integer(modulus)
+    if modulus < 1:
+        raise ValueError("the modulus must be a positive integer")
+    vars = list(set(sum([list(e.variables()) for e in eqns], [])))
+    vars.sort(key=repr)
+
+    if modulus == 1:  # degenerate case
+        ans = [tuple(Integers(1)(0) for v in vars)]
+        return ans
+
+    factors = modulus.factor()
+    crt_basis = vector(Integers(modulus), crt_basis([p**i for p, i in factors]))
+    solutions = []
+
+    has_solution = True
+    for p, i in factors:
+        solution = _solve_mod_prime_power(eqns, p, i, vars)
+        if len(solution) > 0:
+            solutions.append(solution)
+        else:
+            has_solution = False
+            break
+
+    ans = []
+    if has_solution:
+        for solution in product(*solutions):
+            solution_mat = matrix(Integers(modulus), solution)
+            ans.append(tuple(c.dot_product(crt_basis) for c in solution_mat.columns()))
+
+    # if solution_dict == True:
+    # Relaxed form suggested by Mike Hansen (#8553):
+    if solution_dict:
+        return [dict(zip(vars, solution)) for solution in ans]
+    return ans
+
+
+def _solve_mod_prime_power(eqns, p, m, vars):
+    r"""
+    Internal help function for solve_mod, does little checking since it expects
+    solve_mod to do that
+
+    Return all solutions to an equation or list of equations modulo p^m.
+    Each equation must involve only polynomials
+    in 1 or many variables.
+
+    The solutions are returned as `n`-tuples, where `n`
+    is the number of variables in vars.
+
+    INPUT:
+
+    - ``eqns`` -- equation or list of equations
+
+    - ``p`` -- a prime
+
+    - ``i`` -- integer > 0
+
+    - ``vars`` -- list of variables to solve for
+
+    EXAMPLES::
+
+        sage: var('x,y')
+        (x, y)
+        sage: solve_mod([x^2 + 2 == x, x^2 + y == y^2], 14)
+        [(4, 2), (4, 6), (4, 9), (4, 13)]
+        sage: solve_mod([x^2 == 1, 4*x  == 11], 15)
+        [(14,)]
+
+    Fermat's equation modulo 3 with exponent 5::
+
+        sage: var('x,y,z')
+        (x, y, z)
+        sage: solve_mod([x^5 + y^5 == z^5], 3)
+        [(0, 0, 0), (0, 1, 1), (0, 2, 2), (1, 0, 1), (1, 1, 2), (1, 2, 0), (2, 0, 2), (2, 1, 0), (2, 2, 1)]
+
+    We solve a simple equation modulo 2::
+
+        sage: x,y = var('x,y')
+        sage: solve_mod([x == y], 2)
+        [(0, 0), (1, 1)]
+
+
+    .. warning::
+
+       Currently this constructs possible solutions by building up
+       from the smallest prime factor of the modulus.  The interface
+       is good, but the algorithm is horrible if the modulus is not the
+       product of many small primes! Sage *does* have the ability to
+       do something much faster in certain cases at least by using the
+       Chinese Remainder Theorem, Groebner basis, linear algebra
+       techniques, etc. But for a lot of toy problems this function as
+       is might be useful. At the very least, it establishes an
+       interface.
+
+    TESTS:
+
+    Confirm we can reproduce the first few terms of :oeis:`A187719`::
+
+        sage: from sage.symbolic.relation import _solve_mod_prime_power
+        sage: [sorted(_solve_mod_prime_power([x^2==41], 10, i, [x]))[0][0] for i in [1..13]]
+        [1, 21, 71, 1179, 2429, 47571, 1296179, 8703821, 26452429, 526452429,
+        13241296179, 19473547571, 2263241296179]
+    """
+    from sage.modules.free_module_element import vector
+    from sage.rings.finite_rings.integer_mod_ring import Integers
+    from sage.rings.polynomial.polynomial_ring_constructor import PolynomialRing
+
+    mrunning = 1
+    ans = []
+    for mi in range(m):
+        mrunning *= p
+        R = Integers(mrunning)
+        S = PolynomialRing(R, len(vars), vars)
+        eqns_mod = [S(eq) for eq in eqns]
+        if mi == 0:
+            possibles = product(*[range(len(R)) for _ in range(len(vars))])
+        else:
+            shifts = product(*[range(p) for _ in range(len(vars))])
+            pairs = product(shifts, ans)
+            possibles = (tuple(vector(t) + vector(shift) * (mrunning // p))
+                         for shift, t in pairs)
+        ans = [t for t in possibles if all(e(*t) == 0 for e in eqns_mod)]
+        if not ans:
+            return ans
+
+    return ans
+
+
+def solve_ineq_univar(ineq):
+    """
+    Function solves rational inequality in one variable.
+
+    INPUT:
+
+    - ``ineq`` -- inequality in one variable
+
+    OUTPUT:
+
+    - ``list`` -- output is list of solutions as a list of simple inequalities
+      output [A,B,C] means (A or B or C) each A, B, C is again a list and
+      if A=[a,b], then A means (a and b). The list is empty if there is no
+      solution.
+
+    EXAMPLES::
+
+        sage: from sage.symbolic.relation import solve_ineq_univar
+        sage: solve_ineq_univar(x-1/x>0)
+        [[x > -1, x < 0], [x > 1]]
+
+        sage: solve_ineq_univar(x^2-1/x>0)
+        [[x < 0], [x > 1]]
+
+        sage: solve_ineq_univar((x^3-1)*x<=0)
+        [[x >= 0, x <= 1]]
+
+    ALGORITHM:
+
+    Calls Maxima command ``solve_rat_ineq``
+
+    AUTHORS:
+
+    - Robert Marik (01-2010)
+    """
+    ineqvar = ineq.variables()
+    if len(ineqvar) != 1:
+        raise NotImplementedError("The command solve_ineq_univar accepts univariate inequalities only. Your variables are " + ineqvar)
+    ineq0 = ineq._maxima_()
+    ineq0.parent().eval("if solve_rat_ineq_loaded#true then (solve_rat_ineq_loaded:true,load(\"solve_rat_ineq.mac\")) ")
+    sol = ineq0.solve_rat_ineq().sage()
+    if repr(sol) == "all":
+        from sage.rings.infinity import Infinity
+        sol = [ineqvar[0] < Infinity]
+    return sol
+
+
+def solve_ineq_fourier(ineq, vars=None):
+    """
+    Solve system of inequalities using Maxima and Fourier elimination.
+
+    Can be used for system of linear inequalities and for some types
+    of nonlinear inequalities. For examples, see the example section
+    below and http://maxima.cvs.sourceforge.net/viewvc/maxima/maxima/share/contrib/fourier_elim/rtest_fourier_elim.mac
+
+
+    INPUT:
+
+    - ``ineq`` -- list with system of inequalities
+
+    - ``vars`` -- optionally list with variables for Fourier elimination
+
+    OUTPUT:
+
+    - ``list`` -- output is list of solutions as a list of simple inequalities
+      output [A,B,C] means (A or B or C) each A, B, C is again a list and
+      if A=[a,b], then A means (a and b). The list is empty if there is no
+      solution.
+
+    EXAMPLES::
+
+        sage: from sage.symbolic.relation import solve_ineq_fourier
+        sage: y = var('y')
+        sage: solve_ineq_fourier([x+y<9,x-y>4],[x,y])
+        [[y + 4 < x, x < -y + 9, y < (5/2)]]
+        sage: solve_ineq_fourier([x+y<9,x-y>4],[y,x])[0][0](x=42)
+        y < -33
+
+        sage: solve_ineq_fourier([x^2>=0])
+        [[x < +Infinity]]
+
+        sage: solve_ineq_fourier([log(x)>log(y)],[x,y])
+        [[y < x, 0 < y]]
+        sage: solve_ineq_fourier([log(x)>log(y)],[y,x])
+        [[0 < y, y < x, 0 < x]]
+
+    Note that different systems will find default variables in different
+    orders, so the following is not tested::
+
+        sage: solve_ineq_fourier([log(x)>log(y)])  # random (one of the following appears)
+        [[0 < y, y < x, 0 < x]]
+        [[y < x, 0 < y]]
+
+    ALGORITHM:
+
+    Calls Maxima command ``fourier_elim``
+
+    AUTHORS:
+
+    - Robert Marik (01-2010)
+    """
+    if vars is None:
+        setvars = set()
+        for i in (ineq):
+            setvars = setvars.union(set(i.variables()))
+            vars = list(setvars)
+    ineq0 = [i._maxima_() for i in ineq]
+    ineq0[0].parent().eval("if fourier_elim_loaded#true then (fourier_elim_loaded:true,load(\"fourier_elim\"))")
+    sol = ineq0[0].parent().fourier_elim(ineq0, vars)
+    ineq0[0].parent().eval("or_to_list(x):=\
+        if not atom(x) and op(x)=\"or\" then args(x) \
+        else [x]")
+    sol = sol.or_to_list().sage()
+    if repr(sol) == "[emptyset]":
+        sol = []
+    if repr(sol) == "[universalset]":
+        from sage.rings.infinity import Infinity
+        sol = [[i < Infinity for i in vars]]
+    return sol
+
+
+def solve_ineq(ineq, vars=None):
+    """
+    Solve inequalities and systems of inequalities using Maxima.
+    Switches between rational inequalities
+    (sage.symbolic.relation.solve_ineq_rational)
+    and Fourier elimination (sage.symbolic.relation.solve_ineq_fouried).
+    See the documentation of these functions for more details.
+
+    INPUT:
+
+    - ``ineq`` -- one inequality or a list of inequalities
+
+      Case1: If ``ineq`` is one equality, then it should be rational
+      expression in one variable. This input is passed to
+      sage.symbolic.relation.solve_ineq_univar function.
+
+      Case2: If ``ineq`` is a list involving one or more
+      inequalities, than the input is passed to
+      sage.symbolic.relation.solve_ineq_fourier function. This
+      function can be used for system of linear inequalities and
+      for some types of nonlinear inequalities. See
+      http://maxima.cvs.sourceforge.net/viewvc/maxima/maxima/share/contrib/fourier_elim/rtest_fourier_elim.mac
+      for a big gallery of problems covered by this algorithm.
+
+    - ``vars`` -- (optional) parameter with list of variables. This list
+      is used only if Fourier elimination is used. If omitted or if
+      rational inequality is solved, then variables are determined
+      automatically.
+
+    OUTPUT:
+
+    - ``list`` -- output is list of solutions as a list of simple inequalities
+      output [A,B,C] means (A or B or C) each A, B, C is again a list and
+      if A=[a,b], then A means (a and b).
+
+    EXAMPLES::
+
+        sage: from sage.symbolic.relation import solve_ineq
+
+    Inequalities in one variable. The variable is detected automatically::
+
+        sage: solve_ineq(x^2-1>3)
+        [[x < -2], [x > 2]]
+
+        sage: solve_ineq(1/(x-1)<=8)
+        [[x < 1], [x >= (9/8)]]
+
+    System of inequalities with automatically detected inequalities::
+
+        sage: y = var('y')
+        sage: solve_ineq([x-y<0,x+y-3<0],[y,x])
+        [[x < y, y < -x + 3, x < (3/2)]]
+        sage: solve_ineq([x-y<0,x+y-3<0],[x,y])
+        [[x < min(-y + 3, y)]]
+
+    Note that although Sage will detect the variables automatically,
+    the order it puts them in may depend on the system, so the following
+    command is only guaranteed to give you one of the above answers::
+
+        sage: solve_ineq([x-y<0,x+y-3<0])  # random
+        [[x < y, y < -x + 3, x < (3/2)]]
+
+    ALGORITHM:
+
+    Calls ``solve_ineq_fourier`` if inequalities are list and
+    ``solve_ineq_univar`` of the inequality is symbolic expression. See
+    the description of these commands for more details related to the
+    set of inequalities which can be solved. The list is empty if
+    there is no solution.
+
+    AUTHORS:
+
+    - Robert Marik (01-2010)
+    """
+    if isinstance(ineq, list):
+        return solve_ineq_fourier(ineq, vars)
+    return solve_ineq_univar(ineq)