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Square root definition does not allow a negative number as an input. Only positives and zero. Although it is possible to expand the definition to negative numbers, complex numbers, matrices… So unless you followed a course where you thoroughly defined your expansion of sqrt, it only applies to real, positives number and zero. Its the thing with math, you have to define what you work with.

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rudyharrelson@lemmy.radio ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Sounds to me like this is exactly what the OP meme is referencing.

Basic math: square root only of positive numbers and 0. Advanced math: square root of anything you want

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- LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  So what’s the square root of your mom then?
  
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  - rudyharrelson@lemmy.radio ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    Damn, hoisted by my own petard.
    
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  - TwilightKiddy@programming.dev ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    √∞ = ∞
    
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    m8052@lemmy.world ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    You mean limit of sqrt(x) when x->+inf = +inf
    
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- m8052@lemmy.world ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  You’re missing the point. Math (especially advanced) is about precision and rigor. Writing sqrt of something negative is ambiguous. There are better ways of writing it as explained here lemmy.world/comment/18924227
  
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  - squaresinger@lemmy.world ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    Except that yes, math is about precision and rigor, and yes, the square root of negative numbers is totally allowed (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_root#Square_roots_of…) and yes, math totally allows for statements with multiple solutions.
    
    sin(x) = 0 also has infinite solutions and yet it’s totally legal for x to make an equation like that.
    
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TwilightKiddy@programming.dev ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
I’m very sorry you had to go through such stupid school tests, welcome to the real world. sqrt(x) is just a shorthand for x^(1/2).

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