[net.math] Using square roots in proofs

tightgas@nmtvax.UUCP (09/12/83)

The 'proofs' that use square roots apparently depend on the
ambiguity of the square root.  1 and -1 are both square roots of 1.
Likewise, i and -i are both square roots of -1.  If the inappropriate
one of the square roots is used in an equation, then the equality can
be destroyed.  An obvious example is:
1 = 1
sqrt(1) = sqrt(1)
1 = -1

Neal Kilmer
New Mexico Tech