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How Mathematica select one of the roots?

• To: mathgroup@smc.vnet.net
• Subject: [mg12237] How Mathematica select one of the roots?
• From: msm@smol.carrier.kiev.ua
• Date: Tue, 5 May 1998 03:29:32 -0400
• Organization: Lucky Net Ltd.

Dear All!

I have some question about Mathematica 3.0.

When Mathematica 3.0 calculate 
(-1.)^(1/3)
it generate complex value result
0.5 + 0.8660254037844385*I.

But when I try to Solve equation 
x^3+1==0
it generates three different roots.

So, here is the question:

"How Mathematica 3.0 select one of the roots in the first example?"

Thanks in advance for any "real" answer!

SY
S. Molyavko

• Follow-Ups:
  • Re: How Mathematica select one of the roots?
    • From: Daniel Lichtblau <danl@wolfram.com>