1. Apr 16, 2009 #1

   nameVoid

   

   is there a way to solve this by hand
   (1/2)x^4-x^2-1=0

    

   nameVoid, Apr 16, 2009
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3. Apr 16, 2009 #2

   Cyosis

   

   Homework Helper

   Re: solve
   
   Yes substitute p=x^2.

    

   Cyosis, Apr 16, 2009
4. Apr 16, 2009 #3

   nameVoid

   

   Re: solve
   
   (1/2)x^4-x^2-1=(1/2)p^2-p-1=0
   
   quadratic in p
   
   [1+||- (1+2)^(1/2) ] = 1+||-3^(1/2) = p = x^2
   
   x=+||-[1+||-3^(1/2) ]^(1/2) =+||-[1+3^(1/2) ]^(1/2)

    

   nameVoid, Apr 16, 2009
5. Apr 16, 2009 #4

   Cyosis

   

   Homework Helper

   Re: solve
   
   That's correct.

    

   Cyosis, Apr 16, 2009

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