# Unusual equation

• Mar 23rd 2008, 12:32 PM
Twig
Unusual equation
Hi!

How should one proceed with an equation like this..

x^(1/2) + x^(1/4) = 20

without having any calculator obv..

thanks!
• Mar 23rd 2008, 12:43 PM
bobak
let $y = x^{\frac{1}{4}}$

$y^2 + y - 20 = 0$

factor $(y+5)(y-4)=0$

can you take it form here?
• Mar 23rd 2008, 02:10 PM
Twig
hi
uh..
I understood what you did.

y = -5 or y = 4 ?

but.. do I get the correct answer?
If I insert 4 into the original equation..
• Mar 23rd 2008, 02:44 PM
Plato
Because $x^{\frac{1}{4}} = - 5$ is impossible the there is one solution.
$x^{\frac{1}{4}} = 4\quad \Rightarrow \quad x = 64$
• Mar 23rd 2008, 04:26 PM
Twig
hi
doesnt x = 256 ?

because 4^4 is 256

and sqrt of 256 is 16, so 16 plus 4 = 20
• Mar 23rd 2008, 04:30 PM
mr fantastic
Quote:

Originally Posted by Twig
doesnt x = 256 ?

because 4^4 is 256

and sqrt of 256 is 16, so 16 plus 4 = 20

Yes.

Plato made a simple careless mistake. Be that as it may, it's a mere detail - it's the method that's important and the method is what Plato's given you.
• Mar 24th 2008, 03:45 AM
Twig
hi
Absolutely, the method is def. the most important.
Just wanted to be sure that I got it correct.

Thanks!