How to format algebric code for readability

Question

I have a fairly complex-looking (about 50 chars when typed out) equation that is all basic algebra (*, /, +, -, ^). How would I best style it for readability?

Condensed, it looks difficult to read and impossible to understand how I got there, so I'm thinking about putting an expanded form with explanation as comments above the code. This, however, still leaves the "code" bit unintelligible.

Any pointers/suggestions would be appreciated

Answer 1

Few things I follow while using long mathematical expressions:

1. Use of descriptive name for the variables.
2. Break the expressions and calculate in smaller chunks. (group based on the operation or logic)
3. Use brackets and break the line into multiple lines
4. look for the inbuilt function available in the programming language used. like (avg, sum, pow, exp, log). They increase readability.
5. lastly, move only the calculation within a function.

for example

totalIncome = totalSvcSale
            + totalProductSale
            + interestIncome
totalExpenses = toalTransportation
                + Marketing
profit = totalIncome - totalExpenses

Edit: To answer the above expression discussed in the comment

(pow(x,2) - 2) / (y-2))
+ (y*4)