Solve X² = 0: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

[lakitu]

I was just wondering how to solve the following equation. x² = 0. I am new to algebra and am just unsure as how to solve this.

I have come to the conclusion that the answer is x = 0 or x = -0

Is there any working out needed to be done? This is for homework :)

Kind regards

lakitu

 

[0rthodontist]

You could take the square root of both sides. -0 is the same as 0.

 

[HallsofIvy]

Same way you would solve an equation of the form x²= a for any non-negative a: take the square root of both sides: $x= \pm\sqrt{a}$.

$x= \pm 0$ but since -0= 0, there is only the solution x= 0.

 

[BobG]

It's just zero (there's no such thing as positive zero or negative zero).

 

[Lisa!]

what's the point in solving such a equation? At first I though I was missing some point.(I guess OP was feeling the same way)

 

[lakitu]

yeah I thought it was odd to being that there is no such thing as -0 or +0 here is the question he gave me.

Solve the equation
x² = 0
x = ? or x = ?

 

[wScott]

Well I've been doing algebra for several chool years and the only way I could think that he would expect you to find x would be to put x = 0. You could also use fractions, but I don't think he expects youto know that yet.

 

[chroot]

Fractions, wScott? There are no fractional roots. There is only one (degenerate) solution of this polynomial, x=0.

You can factor x^2 = 0 as (x + 0)(x + 0) = 0.

- Warren

 

[Hurkyl]

there is no such thing as -0 or +0

Sure there is. They're both equal to 0.

 

[dextercioby]

What if "x" is an operator on some linear space...? You know, just because d^{2}=0 for the exterior differential, it doesn't mean that d=0...Such operators are called "nilpotent of degree "n" if d^{n}=0 on some linear space...

Daniel.

 

[arildno]

Very deep precalculus maths that, dexter.