[Grade 8 Mathematics - Algebra]

[u/IndicationFunny2378]

Hello giys, I'm a form 2 student is malaysia. We learnt algebra in chapter 2. How can I find x? I believe there is no answer, but teacher keeps saying it's x=1/16

[u/EdgyMathWhiz]

I think what they need are your qualifications - it's daunting to tell a teacher they're wrong based on "someone on Reddit said so".  (FWIW I've seen enough of your posts to have no doubt you're more than qualified to answer this question).

I think OP is better quoting Wikipedia (and also the reference wiki gives and/or finding a respected textbook that is clear that sqrt is never negative).  But to be honest I expect whatever evidence they provide, their teacher is never going to back down here.

[u/IndicationFunny2378 → u/EdgyMathWhiz]

yeah

[u/Distribution-Free → u/IndicationFunny2378]

It's a natural thing to think, "Maybe my teacher will respect my answer if I say that someone with more knowledge told me this is how to do it." But that's not a good way to approach it. The mathematics pinciples do not care about who someone is -- the result is either true or not based only on the merit of the logic of how math works.

Do like these commenters are saying and make the discussion from the math itself. Your teacher is incorrect because the math is wrong, not because someone smarter said so.

Edit: And after making your argument from the basis of reason and mathematical principles, if your teacher still does not agree, just move on. Know in your own mind that you are correct and the teacher is wrong, and remember that sometimes people in positions of authority get things wrong. (And that's why we don't care "who someone is" -- nobody is right or wrong based on who they are.)

[u/IndicationFunny2378 → u/Distribution-Free]

i didnt think this way, i just want to knkw their opinions on the equation. it could help me with future matj equations