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College Algebra
Section R.2
Michael Sullivan introduces the idea of square roots on page 24.
According to Sullivan:
sqrt{ a^2 } = | a |, where "a" is any real number.
Sample:
sqrt{ x^2 } = | x |.
Why is the answer the absolute value of x and not simple x?
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Because x could be negative and he is trying to define a unique positive root.
Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you! …………….Bob
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Are you saying that the sqrt{ x^(2) } = -x or x?
To assure a positive x, we place the variable x inside absolute value bars.
Yes?
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Yes.
Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you! …………….Bob
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Thank you, Bob.
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