Concept problems regarding equations of higher degree

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Arriving at incorrect solutions in higher-degree equations is often seen as a natural part of the problem-solving process, but it raises questions about the validity of the deductive methods used. When manipulating equations, such as squaring both sides or multiplying by variables, the equivalence of the equations can change, potentially leading to extraneous solutions. It is essential to verify solutions to ensure they satisfy the original equation, as not all solutions to the transformed equation will apply to the original. The deductive argument remains valid as long as the transformations are understood and checked. The use of "if and only if" is not always necessary in these contexts, as it depends on the specific conditions of the equations involved.
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Homework Statement


We generally accepted in lower forms, that when we deal with equations of higher degree, arriving at solutions which need to be rejected is normal, even natural.
However, now that I think of it, doesn't arriving at wrong answers mean only that our deductive argument contains flaws? Otherwise, why else would we have to reject some answers?
Thanks.

J

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The Attempt at a Solution

 
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That depends upon what you mean by "flawed". If a "deductive method" gives the right answer, it isn't flawed, is it? I think what you are talking about is when we, say, square both sides of an equation to get rid of a square root, or multiply both sides of an equation by something to get rid of fractions. When you do that, you do change the equation to something that is not exactly equivalent. But as long as you are aware that you are doing that, and take steps to make sure it doesn't give you a wrong answer, as, for example, checking any answers, there is no flaw in your "deductive argument".

As long as we multiply by constants, we know that a number is a solution to our original equation if and only if it is a solution to our new equation. If we multiply both sides of the equation by something involving the unknown variable, then any solution to our original equation must be a solution to the new equation but not vice-versa.

If our original equation is f(x)= g(x) and we multiply both sides by h(x) to get f(x)h(x)= g(x)h(x), then any solution to our original equation is still a solution to our new equation but not necessarily the other way. Any solution to h(x)= 0 is also a solution to f(x)h(x)= g(x)h(x).

When we multiply both sides of an equation by a constant, c, our "deductive argument" is "x is a solution to f(x)= g(x) if and only if it is a solution to cf(x)= cg(x)."

If our "deductive argument" were "x is a solution to f(x)= g(x) if and only if it is a solution to f(x)h(x)= g(x)h(x)", then it would indeed be flawed.

But it is not. Our argument is "any solution, x, to f(x)= g(x) is a solution to f(x)h(x)= g(x)h(x)". That is perfectly correct. It is the other way, "any solution to f(x)h(x)= g(x)h(x) is a solution to f(x)= g(x)" that is incorrect. And we don't claim that. That's why we have to specifically check solutions.
 
Thank you for your post.
I still have a question:
Isn't 'if and only if' used instead of 'if' when we are attempting an equation?
Thanks

J
 
No, not necessarily.
 
I picked up this problem from the Schaum's series book titled "College Mathematics" by Ayres/Schmidt. It is a solved problem in the book. But what surprised me was that the solution to this problem was given in one line without any explanation. I could, therefore, not understand how the given one-line solution was reached. The one-line solution in the book says: The equation is ##x \cos{\omega} +y \sin{\omega} - 5 = 0##, ##\omega## being the parameter. From my side, the only thing I could...

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