Hacker News
new
|
past
|
comments
|
ask
|
show
|
jobs
|
submit
login
yorwba
1 day ago
|
parent
|
context
|
favorite
| on:
Why Mathematica does not simplify sinh(arccosh(x))
For x = -i, square(x) = -1, sqrt(square(x)) = i. Meanwhile, abs(x) = 1. You're right that it simplifies to abs(x) for real x, but that no longer holds for arbitrary complex values.
help
NooneAtAll3
1 day ago
[–]
for arbitrary complex values sqrt() gives 2 answers with +- signs
so sqrt(square(-i)) = +-i, one of which is x
reply
syockit
1 day ago
|
parent
|
next
[–]
I've never seen a CAS that gives two answers for sqrt. Mathematica doesn't, sympy doesn't, and IIRC Maxima also doesn't.
reply
Armisael16
1 day ago
|
parent
|
prev
[–]
The sqrt function returns the principle square root, not both. That’s true for all numbers, positive, negative, and complex alike.
reply
Guidelines
|
FAQ
|
Lists
|
API
|
Security
|
Legal
|
Apply to YC
|
Contact
Search: