Chapter 2: Problem 13
Given a real number \(x \geq 0\), show that there exists a real number \(s \geq 0\) such that \(s^{2}=x\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
For any \(x \geq 0\), \(s = \sqrt{x} \geq 0\) exists such that \(s^2 = x\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Problem
We need to show that for any non-negative real number \(x\), there exists a non-negative real number \(s\) such that \(s^2 = x\). This means finding the square root of \(x\).
02
Using the Definition of Square Root
The definition of a square root states that for any non-negative real number \(x\), the square root \(\sqrt{x}\) is a non-negative number \(s\) such that \(s^2 = x\). This \(s\) is unique and satisfies the condition we are seeking to prove exists.
03
Existence of Square Root for Non-negative Real Numbers
The existence of square roots for non-negative real numbers \(x\) is guaranteed by the completeness property of real numbers, which ensures that every non-negative real number has a non-negative square root.
04
Statement of Existence
Thus, based on mathematical definitions and properties, for every non-negative real number \(x\), there exists a real number \(s = \sqrt{x} \geq 0\) such that \(s^2 = x\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Square Root
The concept of a square root is essential in understanding how we can determine a number that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. For non-negative real numbers, the square root is particularly important because it highlights a specific quality of real numbers. When we talk about the square root of a number, we refer to the unique non-negative number, denoted as \( \sqrt{x} \), which satisfies the equation \( s^2 = x \).
- If you have a non-negative number like 9, its square root is 3, since \( 3^2 = 9 \).
- The square root of 0 is also 0, because \( 0^2 = 0 \).
- Notably, square roots always yield a non-negative result in the context of real numbers, aligning with the nature of being a non-negative real number itself.
Completeness Property
The completeness property of real numbers is a fundamental concept in mathematics that ensures the robustness and faultlessness of the real number line. This property is crucial in proving the existence of square roots for non-negative real numbers.
- The completeness property states that every non-negative real number has a least upper bound or supremum, which ensures no "gaps" exist in the real number line.
- Thanks to this property, we can guarantee that a non-negative real number has a square root, which is also a real number.
- This means that if you take any real number that has been squared, you can "reverse" the operation to find its square root which lies within the real numbers.
Non-negative Real Numbers
Non-negative real numbers include all the numbers on the number line greater than or equal to zero. These are the numbers we interact with frequently in real-life contexts and many mathematical operations.
- Non-negative real numbers are symbolized as \( x \geq 0 \), meaning they start from zero and extend positively towards infinity.
- They include whole numbers like 0, 1, 2, rational numbers like \( \frac{1}{2} \), and irrational numbers like \( \sqrt{2} \).
- This set of numbers is critical when addressing functions such as square roots, as square roots are only defined for these non-negative values.