Solving Mistake in my Book: (b-a)^2/12

In summary, the conversation is about a possible typo in a solution manual for a math text where a multiplication by 2 is shown in an intermediate step, but not mentioned in the errata. The expert suggests assuming it is a mistake and moving on.
  • #1
montoyas7940
364
21
(1/3)(b^2+ab+a^2)-(1/4)(b^2+2ab+a^2)

= (b-a)^2
--------
12


I am ok with this but there is am intermediate step shown


(b^2-2ab+a^2)
-------------- (2)
12

I don't see where the multiplication by 2 comes from and it is not shown in the errata.
 
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  • #2
montoyas7940 said:
(1/3)(b^2+ab+a^2)-(1/4)(b^2+2ab+a^2)

= (b-a)^2
--------
12


I am ok with this but there is am intermediate step shown


(b^2-2ab+a^2)
-------------- (2)
12

I don't see where the multiplication by 2 comes from and it is not shown in the errata.


You are right that there should be no multiplication by two there.

I am not sure how it exactly appears in your book, but does it appear like you typed it here, with the 2 between parentheses? I am asking because sometimes books number equations and often when equations are numbered, the number is put between parentheses.
 
  • #3
:smile:
 
  • #4
It is clearly a multiplication. It is a solution manual for a text and I can't find a published errata. I am just going to assume it is a mistake and move on. Thank you, kdv.
 
  • #5
montoyas7940 said:
It is clearly a multiplication. It is a solution manual for a text and I can't find a published errata. I am just going to assume it is a mistake and move on. Thank you, kdv.

Ok. Then it is a typo.

You are welcome.
 

FAQ: Solving Mistake in my Book: (b-a)^2/12

What is the mistake in the equation (b-a)^2/12?

The mistake in this equation is that it is missing a set of parentheses around the "b-a" term. The correct equation should be ((b-a)^2)/12. Without the parentheses, the order of operations will be incorrect and the answer will be incorrect.

How does the missing parentheses affect the answer?

The missing parentheses change the order of operations in the equation. Without the parentheses, the subtraction of "a" from "b" will be performed first, followed by squaring the result, and finally dividing by 12. This will lead to an incorrect answer compared to the intended calculation.

Can the mistake be fixed by simply adding the parentheses?

Yes, adding the missing parentheses will fix the mistake in the equation. However, it is important to double-check the order of operations and ensure that the parentheses are in the correct place to accurately solve the equation.

Are there any other common mistakes that can occur in this equation?

Another common mistake in this equation is forgetting to square the "b-a" term altogether. This would result in an incorrect answer as well. It is important to carefully follow the proper mathematical operations when solving equations.

Is this mistake specific to this equation or can it occur in other equations as well?

This mistake is not specific to this equation and can occur in other equations as well. It is important to pay attention to parentheses and follow the proper order of operations in all mathematical equations to ensure accurate results.

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