principle root? problem
- To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
- Subject: [mg32532] principle root? problem
- From: rdownes at aol.com (RDownes)
- Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2002 02:58:09 -0500 (EST)
- Sender: owner-wri-mathgroup at wolfram.com
The other day, I was explaining something to a student regarding solving a simple algebra problem. (x^2-5)^(2/3)=16 The solution to which is easily found. All four that is! However my version of Mathematica only gave the two real. Is there a simple explanation for this? Also, Mathematica gives the solution to x^(1/2)= -16 as 256. Now, is this a "principle root" problem and are the two possibly related? Any insights would be appreciated for this little enigma. Thanks, Rob
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