Simplifying Ellipses: Solving for b^2 = (5/3)

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When solving for b in the equation b^2 = (5/3), the correct simplification is ±√(5/3), not ±√(15/3). The expression b = ±√(5/3) can also be expressed as ±(√5/√3) or ±(√5/3). Therefore, the solution for b is ±√(5/3) or ±(√15/3) when considering the fraction's simplification. It is important to maintain clarity in the simplification process to avoid confusion.
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If I was solving an ellipse problem and I had b^2 = (5/3) wouldn't that be simplified to + or - sqrt (15/3)? Or would it just be + or - sqrt (5/3)?
 
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wat2000 said:
If I was solving an ellipse problem and I had b^2 = (5/3) wouldn't that be simplified to + or - sqrt (15/3)? Or would it just be + or - sqrt (5/3)?

\pm \sqrt{\frac 5 3} = \pm \frac{\sqrt{15}} 3
 

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