I dare you

John Doe

to pose a question I'm unable to answer.

drwtsn32

Impossible.

Now if you had said "answer correctly" .... well, I think I'm up for that challenge. ;)

John Doe

Depends on your standard of proof for what's correct.

-20 = -20
16 - 36 = 25 - 45 Rewriting
16 - 36 + 81/4 = 25 - 45 + 81/4 Add 81/4 to each side
(4 - 9/2)^2 = (5 - 9/2)^2 Factor binomials
4 - 9/2 = 5 - 9/2 Sqrt of each side
4 = 5 Add 9/2 to each side
1 = 2 Subtract 3 from each side

asilentone

93974746565646382156195468104561486510481605 X 2=

Now give me the correct answer!

shamus100

What is the multiplicitive index of a falling toad in the rain forest? Relative humidity is 94.7 %, temperature 34 and overcast. Wind easterly 1 knot, variable.

John Doe

Ok, tell me what's wrong with this:

-20 = -20
16 - 36 = 25 - 45 Rewriting
16 - 36 + 81/4 = 25 - 45 + 81/4 Add 81/4 to each side
(4 - 9/2)^2 = (5 - 9/2)^2 Factor binomials
4 - 9/2 = 5 - 9/2 Sqrt of each side
4 = 5 Add 9/2 to each side
1 = 2 Subtract 3 from each side

I've highlighted the first erroneous part. You divided by two different things on each side--you can't do this. Essentially, you're saying x^2 = y^2 so x = y. That doesn't always hold. Consider a simple case to make this point; x=-2 and y=2. (-2)^2=2^2 but -2=2 does not follow.

John Doe

What is the multiplicitive index of a falling toad in the rain forest? Relative humidity is 94.7 %, temperature 34 and overcast. Wind easterly 1 knot, variable.

Has the toad been kissed by a princess?

drwtsn32

Hmm... you picked the right line, but your answer is a bit off. I didn't divide by two different things; I took the square root of each side. But you're close enough. :)

John Doe

Taking the square root is dividing. You're dividing each side by its root. The problem is that the roots are not the same. Unless you divide both sides by the same root, it is incorrect. If you divide by the same root, only one side will simplify.

x^2 = y^2 = x^2/x = y^2 / y is essentially what you were doing.

I dare you

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