Proof of \sqrt{ab} = \sqrt{a}\sqrt{b} for all ab>0

  • Thread starter Thread starter annoymage
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Induction Proof
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the equality \(\sqrt{ab} = \sqrt{a}\sqrt{b}\) under the condition that \(ab > 0\). Participants explore whether this holds for all real numbers or specifically for integers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to use induction as a method for proof, questioning its applicability to real numbers versus integers. Others express confusion about the problem's requirements regarding the nature of \(a\) and \(b\) and whether they must be positive or simply non-negative.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants raising questions about the validity of using induction for this proof and clarifying the conditions under which the equality holds. There is no consensus yet on the best approach or the specific conditions required for the proof.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the ambiguity in the problem statement regarding whether \(a\) and \(b\) are integers or real numbers, as well as the conditions on their positivity.

annoymage
Messages
360
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



[tex]\sqrt{ab}[/tex] = [tex]\sqrt{a}[/tex][tex]\sqrt{b}[/tex] for all ab>0

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



let a=0, [tex]\sqrt{0}[/tex] = [tex]\sqrt{0}[/tex]

assume that it's true for some a, consider a+1

[tex]\sqrt{(a+1)b}[/tex] = and I'm lost
 
Physics news on Phys.org
annoymage said:

Homework Statement



[tex]\sqrt{ab}[/tex] = [tex]\sqrt{a}[/tex][tex]\sqrt{b}[/tex] for all ab>0

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



let a=0, [tex]\sqrt{0}[/tex] = [tex]\sqrt{0}[/tex]

assume that it's true for some a, consider a+1

[tex]\sqrt{(a+1)b}[/tex] = and I'm lost

Why do you think that this should be done by induction?
 
ooops, yea, on second thought, induction is for integer, not real numbers

is there any ways to proof this?
 
but wait,

[tex]\sqrt{ab}[/tex] = [tex]\sqrt{a}[/tex][tex]\sqrt{b}[/tex] for all integer a and b such that ab>0

how about that? can i solve this using induction?
 
How is the problem stated? Does it explicitly specify that a and b are integers? Also, does it say ab > 0 or does it say a > 0 and b > 0? There's a difference.
 
Mark44 said:
How is the problem stated? Does it explicitly specify that a and b are integers? Also, does it say ab > 0 or does it say a > 0 and b > 0? There's a difference.

no, i just made one up.

but what about

[tex]\sqrt{ab}[/tex] = [tex]\sqrt{a}[/tex][tex]\sqrt{b}[/tex] for all integer a and b such that ab>0

can't i prove it using induction?
 
Induction really isn't a good fit here. With an induction proof you have a sequence of statements P(1), P(2), P(3), ..., P(n), ... With the problem you made up, you have two variables a and b, both of which should be real and nonnegative.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K