Can X=2 and X=-2 at the same time?

  • Thread starter chalky00
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In summary: Z = the square root of 1, X = Z does not necessarily mean that X = 1, and it does not indicate that X = -1. It simply states that X = Z = (1 or -1). In order to get a function (a formula where one value is dependent on another) with two values, you need two variables or a conditional statement (like x = t, where the value of t is dependent on the value of x). You can't have two values of X that are dependent on the same value of X, because this would require a function of X (which would lead to an infinite loop where X = ... = X).In summary, the square root of 1
  • #36


chalky00 said:
so (sqrt 1 - sqrt 1) is different to
x=sqrt 1
x-x

No! Hopefully without confusing you too much, if we let [itex]x = \sqrt{1}[/itex] then [itex]x=1[/itex] because the [itex]\sqrt[/itex] operation retrieves the principal (positive) square root. However, if [itex]x[/itex] is a number such that [itex]x^2 = 1[/itex] then [itex]x=1[/itex] or [itex]x=-1[/itex]. Now, using this second definition of [itex]x[/itex], once we choose a value for [itex]x[/itex] we need to stick with it. We can't have [itex]x = 1[/itex] and [itex]x = -1[/itex] at the same time because this would violate the law of non-contradiction and you're already assuming that [itex]1 = -1[/itex].
 
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  • #37


Stop feeding the troll (OP)!
 

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