Question 236940
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Well, since:


*[tex \LARGE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \frac{5}{10}\ =\ \frac{10}{20}]


and


*[tex \LARGE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \frac{5}{-10}\ =\ \frac{-10}{20}]


From a purely mathematical point of view, either solution makes the original equation a true statement, and therefore both solutions are members of the solution set.


On the other hand, if you are using a proportion to solve a physical problem where the answer is a positive measure of something, then you would certainly exclude the negative root.  On the other hand, you might have a problem that requires you to find a root that is less than zero -- hence you would exclude the positive root.


So, you tell me.



John
*[tex \LARGE e^{i\pi} + 1 = 0]
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