Square Root Simplified: Understanding the Result as a Single Nonnegative Number

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The discussion focuses on the simplification of square roots in mathematical expressions, particularly how terms cancel out to yield a single nonnegative result. Participants explore the cancellation of terms like c² and u² in the denominator, leading to the simplification of expressions involving square roots. A key point raised is the distinction between keeping both positive and negative roots versus only considering the positive root, which is crucial for understanding the final result. The conclusion emphasizes that the square root should yield |v|, reinforcing that it evaluates to a single nonnegative number. This clarification is essential for accurately interpreting the mathematical outcome.
lioric
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relativistic 4.jpg

How is it equal to v in the end?
I'm sorry for asking such questions. But I'm just trying to understand
 
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Because addition is associative and commutative and ##c^2≠0##. For short: just calculate the left hand side.
 
Can you simplify the denominator?
 
DrClaude said:
Can you simplify the denominator?
Dear god I must be blind
v^2-v^2 = 0
c^2 and c^2 cancels
And all that's left is a rooted v^2 which cancels itself

But look at this
relativistic 5.jpg

This is how the same solution is illustrated in another book.
(1-u^2/c^2) cancels each other
The u^2 subtracts each other in the denominator like in the previous sollution
Which leaves a rooted u^2 / c^2
How does that simplify?
 
lioric said:
Which leaves a rooted u^2 / c^2
How does that simplify?
Look to the left of the square root sign...
 
DrClaude said:
Look to the left of the square root sign...
I can see the c root What does it mean?
 
lioric said:
I can see the c root What does it mean?
No, it's c times the root.
 
DrClaude said:
No, it's c times the root.
So are you saying that the large root will cancel the squares of u^2 / c^2 making it like u / c * c/1
and c and c cancels?
 
lioric said:
So are you saying that the large root will cancel the squares of u^2 / c^2 making it like u / c * c/1
and c and c cancels?
Yes. Note that the author there takes only the positive root, while in the OP the two roots are kept.
 
  • #10
DrClaude said:
Yes. Note that the author there takes only the positive root, while in the OP the two roots are kept.
Thank you very much
 
  • #11
lioric said:
View attachment 96291
How is it equal to v in the end?
I'm sorry for asking such questions. But I'm just trying to understand
This is actually incorrect. On the right side it should be |v|, not ##\pm v##. In other words, the square root evaluates to a single nonnegative number, not two numbers.
 

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