Question 395137
Explain the error made in solving the equation. Solve the equation correctly
x^2=x
x^2/x=x/x
x=1 
I thought the error was that x^2 is not equal to x, but rather x^2 is equal to x*x and so it should have been multiplication and not division-yet I really don't know I am only taking a guess. I also don't know how to go about solving the equation itself
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So, what is the solution ?
x^2 = x
x^2-x = 0
x(x-1) = 0
x = 1 or x = 0
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The method used in the problem found the x=1 solution but not the x=0
solution.
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Of course you could't divide both sides by x if x = 0.
But you did.  And that is the mistake.
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Cheers,
Stan H.