SOLUTION: Hi, Please help me solve this equation involving negative rational exponents: {{{ 3z^-1-3z^(-1/2)+1= 0 }}}. Here are the steps I took to try to solve the problem: First,

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Question 1127154: Hi,
Please help me solve this equation involving negative rational exponents: .
Here are the steps I took to try to solve the problem:
First, I used the substitution method using "u" and tried completing the square and got .
Then, I used the quadratic equation and got 1/ 2 plus or minus 3i sqrt( 3 ) / 2.
Last I tried solving for x^-1/2 to get the final answer, but I cannot yield the books' answer: 3 / 2 plus or minus 3i sqrt( 3 ) / 2.
Can you please help me know where I am going wrong? Thank you.

Answer by ikleyn(52777)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
The equation is

 -  + 1 = 0.


Multiply by z both sides. You will get


 = 0,   or, equivalently,

 = 0.


Now introduce new variable  u = .  The last equation will take the form

 = 0.


Apply the quadratic formula


 =  =  = .


Now consider separately both cases


a)  u =  = .  Hence, squaring, you get
 
    z =  =  =  = ,    


and


b)  u =  = .  Hence, squaring, you get
 
    z =  =  =  = .


Answer.  There are two solutions.  They are complex numbers

           and  .

Solved.

----------------

Surely, it can be done in many ways and on different paths.

I showed here one of the simplest paths/ways.

Other people may prefer other ways.


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