Ask HN:help with algebraic equation

Posted by pencil on Thursday January 06, 2011 @03:54AM
from the ask-hn dept.

any idea on how to solve this equation 2x(4-x)^(-1/2) - (4-x)^1/3 = 0..i could somehow simplify and reach 2x-(4-x)^5/6 = 0.now i don't know what to do

( 4 comments | 2 points | on HN )

Re:Ask HN:help with algebraic equation by snissn on Thursday January 06, 2011 @03:57AM (#2074665)

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=2x(4-x)^(-1/2)+-+(4-x)^...

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Re:Ask HN:help with algebraic equation by DoHander on Thursday January 06, 2011 @12:00PM (#2076096)

Since this is a nonlinear equation, I would try to solve it numerically. I don't see much interest in solving this analytically.

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Re:Ask HN:help with algebraic equation by Muzza on Thursday January 06, 2011 @03:59AM (#2074666)

Move one term over to the other side, raise both sides to the power of 6, then multiply by (4 - x)^3. You now have an equation of the fifth degree...

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Re:Ask HN:help with algebraic equation by pencil on Thursday January 06, 2011 @04:20AM (#2074700)

yes i now have an quintic equation.now i can use any method to solve for 'x'. thank you

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