Actual Discussion With My Son
I, the owner of a degree in Mathematics and a degree in Computer Science from Seattle University, had the following discussion with my 7 year old son, who recently graduated from first grade.
Andrew: Dad, did you know the square root of 0 is 0?
Dad: That is correct. 0 is kind of a unique number, 0 times 0 is 0.
Andrew: Dad, the square root of 1 is 1 and 1 times 1 is also 1. So 0 is not that unique.
Dad: I need to call Seattle University and ask for a refund.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
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2 comments:
Actually, you are right, zero is unique. The square root of 1 is both +1 and -1.
When he is ready, ask him what the square root of negative one is.
Ah yes, the imaginary one, 1i. Andrew and I have already had that conversation.
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