SOLUTION: Hello, this question isn't from a book. It is a paper assignment. Please help I am confused with this. Is the square root symbol with an x^2 power under it=x an identity (true for

Algebra ->  Radicals -> SOLUTION: Hello, this question isn't from a book. It is a paper assignment. Please help I am confused with this. Is the square root symbol with an x^2 power under it=x an identity (true for      Log On


   

Question 82463: Hello, this question isn't from a book. It is a paper assignment. Please help I am confused with this.
Is the square root symbol with an x^2 power under it=x an identity (true for all values of x)? Sorry I wasn't sure how to put the square root symbol in. I hope you can understand what I am asking. If at all possible to help me before Saturday by 8:00 pm central time I would really appreciate it. Thank you.
Answer by 303795(602) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I'm not sure about this but I don't think so.
If x=3 then x%5E2=9. The square root of 9 could be either +3 or -3. Only one of the two is correct.
The same situation arises if x is -3. x%5E2=9. The square root of 9 is still either +3 or -3.
In each case there are two possible answers. One is the number which you start with and the other is its opposite.
Depending on how you define an identity it does give you the correct answer but it also gives you an incorrect answer. Is it the correct answer which is more important or the incorrect answer????