Solving an equation with conditional solutions

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the equation f[x_] := x^2 + c using the Wolfram Language, specifically addressing the conditional solutions derived from the equation y = Solve[f'[f[x]] == 1, x, Reals]. The output reveals multiple conditional expressions based on the parameter c, indicating that the number of solutions varies: three solutions for certain values of c, two for others, and only one for specific cases. The challenge of expressing solutions in terms of c using Eliminate[c == -x - x^2 && x == y[[1]], x] is highlighted, noting that the validity of the solutions under ConditionalExpression has not been thoroughly verified.

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  • Knowledge of conditional expressions in mathematical solutions
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  • Explore the use of ConditionalExpression in the Wolfram Language for handling piecewise solutions
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Mathematicians, researchers in computational algebra, and students studying advanced calculus or the Wolfram Language who are interested in solving equations with conditional solutions.

peter.a
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f[x_] := x^2 + c;
y = Solve[f'[f[x]] == 1, x, Reals]

output:

{{x -> ConditionalExpression[Root[-1 + 4 c #1 + 4 #1^3 &, 1],
c > -(3/4) || c < -(3/4)]}, {x ->
ConditionalExpression[Root[-1 + 4 c #1 + 4 #1^3 &, 2],
c < -(3/4)]}, {x ->
ConditionalExpression[Root[-1 + 4 c #1 + 4 #1^3 &, 3],
c < -(3/4)]}}

Then i want to put the solutions in terms of c which doesn't work with:
Eliminate[c == -x - x^2 && x == y[[1]], x]
 
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In[1]:= ToRadicals[Root[-1+4 c #1+4 #1^3&,1]]

Out[1]= ((-4*c)/(3^(1/3)*(9 + Sqrt[3]*Sqrt[27 + 64*c^3])^(1/3)) + (9 + Sqrt[3]*Sqrt[27 + 64*c^3])^(1/3)/3^(2/3))/2

but I have NOT carefully verified that this is valid under the ConditionalExpression and even if it is the solutions will still depend on the value of the unknown c.

This still leaves the situation that for some values of c there are 3 solutions, for some there are 2 and for some there are only 1.
 
Last edited:

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