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$ x = \sqrt{1} $ then x = ?

and

$ x^2 = 1 $ then x = ?

please help

I am puzzled. I know that in first case we will get x = 1 and in second case we will get x = $ \pm 1 $

But, I need the proof for the first case.

  • 2
    @ParthKohli: That doesn't mean that $-1$ would be an answer, since the implication from right to left does not hold.2012-09-21

2 Answers 2

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$x=\sqrt1$ is a single order equation so, it can have only one solution of $x$

and that is $1$

But, in case of $x^2 = 1$, it is a second order equation and by theory, it will have two solution (may be same.

Now, $x^2=1$ can be represented as

$x^2-1=0$

$\implies (x+1)\cdot(x-1)=0$

$\implies x=\pm1$

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That $\sqrt{1}$ means the positive square root of $1$ is a matter of convention, and probably some will maintain that it's only convention.

$1^2=1$ and $(-1)^2=1$ and there are no other numbers whose square is $1$, so there are exactly two square roots of $1$. The fact that there are no others is why you can say that if $x^2=1$ then either $x=1$ or $x=-1$.