Solving for Vector w in R3 Homework Problem

Computnik
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Homework Statement


Hi, I have a really short (and dumb) question.

In one of my homework problems they talk about a vector w, such that w=e1+e2+e3. (In R3.)

The Attempt at a Solution


I guess they mean that: e1=(1,0,0), e2=(0,1,0) and e3=(0,0,1). So w=(1,1,1). Right?
 
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Sort of. the ei are usually basis vectors, but they do not have to be Cartesian basis vectors.
Any three orthogonal vectors will do - helps if they are orthonormal.
 
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There are two things I don't understand about this problem. First, when finding the nth root of a number, there should in theory be n solutions. However, the formula produces n+1 roots. Here is how. The first root is simply ##\left(r\right)^{\left(\frac{1}{n}\right)}##. Then you multiply this first root by n additional expressions given by the formula, as you go through k=0,1,...n-1. So you end up with n+1 roots, which cannot be correct. Let me illustrate what I mean. For this...

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