Math Is Fun Forum

Toast

Real Member

Registered: 2006-10-08

Posts: 1,321

Itty bitty question

For what values of a is there no solution?

(Answer = 0,1)

Well, you obviously cannot divide by zero... and when a = 1, 1-a = 0. So we have a =/= 1.

However, I'm thinking a can equal zero, let's try it:

Are the answers wrong or am I mistaken? Just wanted to make sure.

EDIT: I also have another question

Simplify:

Could you please guide me through it step by step? thanks

Last edited by Toast (2007-02-06 21:35:13)

mathsyperson

Moderator

Registered: 2005-06-22

Posts: 4,900

Re: Itty bitty question

I would agree with your reasoning there. And you've already proven that a solution exists by putting 0 in and seeing what comes out, so the answer book has to be wrong.

For the second question, try to get rid of those negative powers by multiplying the top and bottom by stuff. Once the top doesn't have any of those left, you should be able to cancel quite a lot of it and be left with something nice.

---

Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.

Toast

Real Member

Registered: 2006-10-08

Posts: 1,321

Re: Itty bitty question

Hmmm it still doesn't look very nice to me...

gnitsuk

Member

Registered: 2006-02-09

Posts: 121

Re: Itty bitty question

Last edited by gnitsuk (2007-02-07 02:31:36)