document.write( "Question 1164447: The problem is 8x^3=125. Why can't I simply take the cubed root of both sides to get 2x=5, and from there get x=5/2?\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "The solutions I have seen require I move all terms to the left and set the equation equal to zero, factor using difference of cubes formula, and solve from there, giving me x= 5/2, and x=-5+/-5i(square root of 3) all over 4. I don't understand why I can't just solve it as the equation is given, instead of setting everything to 0. Thank you! \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #789051 by MathTherapy(10555) $\"\"$ $\"About$

You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The problem is 8x^3=125. Why can't I simply take the cubed root of both sides to get 2x=5, and from there get x=5/2?\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "The solutions I have seen require I move all terms to the left and set the equation equal to zero, factor using difference of cubes formula, and solve from there, giving me x= 5/2, and x=-5+/-5i(square root of 3) all over 4. I don't understand why I can't just solve it as the equation is given, instead of setting everything to 0. Thank you!
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No, you CANNOT! SORRY, but you won't be able to obtain all answers if you do that! \n" );
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