Symbolic computation using L-systems

A new approach, based on Lindenmayer systems (L-systems), to symbolic computations is proposed. L-systems manipulate character strings, containing mathematical expressions, to expand functions, to reduce expressions, and to evaluate expressions. Unlike most of today's software, which computes with integer and floating-point arithmetic, this L-system-based procedure computes using rational numbers. Arithmetic is carried out using rational numbers between 10^-^5^0^0 and 10^+^5^0^0. After a basic explanation of L-systems, the relationship between symbolic computation and L-systems is presented, using an example involving the Fibonacci sequence. The symbolic L-system is defined, along with its nuances. The elementary functions exponential, sine, cosine, and tangent are expanded in their Taylor series using the L-system. We show how the L-system reduces functions to simplest terms. A major result achieved is the ability to determine and to remove common factors from a ratio of two polynomials. We provide information about the software and requirements for its execution. Future applications are also discussed.