algorithm - C program that can expand quadratics

Question

I want to have a C program that allows me to input (x+1)(x+3) and other stuff like that, including x^2. So far I have a very complex system using linked lists but I think that there should be an easier solution. The output from input, (x+1)(x+3) would be x^2+4x+3 printed out.

So far I'm passing around a struct _term with an int, char and int for coefficient,pro numeral and power. so 2x^4 would be saved as |2|'x'|3|.

I should also mention that I'm only 16, and still in high school.

Answer 1

You'll need to write a parser for the expression, then walk the syntax tree of it, then do some logic to make the multlpications, maybe to merge the additions, then output it. You may find this link useful on how to write an expression parser in C.