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# squares and square roots clarification

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Manager
Joined: 17 Dec 2008
Posts: 171

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squares and square roots clarification [#permalink]

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28 Jan 2009, 06:47
In GMAT, is $$sqrt(x)$$ always +ve ?
This can get really tricky in some DS questions depending on
the equations, example if we simplify equation and use x instead of
$$sqrt(x)$$ and consider positive/negative numbers - could get
a wrong answer.

Any suggestions for a clean way to handle this topic is appreciated.

Kudos [?]: 173 [0], given: 0

Intern
Joined: 08 Feb 2014
Posts: 10

Kudos [?]: 25 [2], given: 2

Re: squares and square roots clarification [#permalink]

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26 Jun 2014, 23:26
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Quoting another answer, in essence,

"In GMAT math, the roots of x are expressed as +\sqrt{x} and -\sqrt{x}

\sqrt{x} itself is ALWAYS positive. I completely understand your logic, but if you don't accept this as a convention, you are bound to either get DS sums wrong or frown on several PS sums.

For example, the solutions for x in the equation x^2 = 25 are x=5 and x=-5.

HOWEVER, if x = 25, then \sqrt{x} = 5. PERIOD. Remember, convention not logic!

Good luck!"

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SVP
Joined: 29 Aug 2007
Posts: 2471

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Re: squares and square roots clarification [#permalink]

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30 Jan 2009, 14:45
ConkergMat wrote:
In GMAT, is $$sqrt(x)$$ always +ve ?
This can get really tricky in some DS questions depending on
the equations, example if we simplify equation and use x instead of
$$sqrt(x)$$ and consider positive/negative numbers - could get
a wrong answer.

Any suggestions for a clean way to handle this topic is appreciated.

There are many posts that discussed this issue in details.
Try finding some of them and go through them. They would, I believe, clear your doubt.

Refer:
7-t75259
viewtopic.php?t=39533
_________________

Verbal: http://gmatclub.com/forum/new-to-the-verbal-forum-please-read-this-first-77546.html
Math: http://gmatclub.com/forum/new-to-the-math-forum-please-read-this-first-77764.html
Gmat: http://gmatclub.com/forum/everything-you-need-to-prepare-for-the-gmat-revised-77983.html

GT

Kudos [?]: 856 [0], given: 19

Re: squares and square roots clarification   [#permalink] 30 Jan 2009, 14:45
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# squares and square roots clarification

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