#597531 maxima: fails to solve a simple 4th order equation

Package:
maxima
Source:
maxima
Description:
Computer algebra system -- base system
Submitter:
Andres Cimmarusti
Date:
2010-09-21 13:30:03 UTC
Severity:
wishlist
#597531#5
Date:
2010-09-20 15:15:31 UTC
From:
To:
When I try using the command solve to solve for a certain variable in a 4th order equation, it can't do it. However If I give it some help and square both sides of the equation then it is able to do it. Here is the procedure:

eq1 : w = w0 * sqrt( 1 + ( z / ( %pi * w0^2 / %lambda ) )^2 );
solve( eq1 , w0 );
...This leads to a useless answer

eq2 : eq1^2;
solve( eq2 , w0 );
...Solves the equation just fine displaying its 4 roots.
#597531#10
Date:
2010-09-20 20:50:00 UTC
From:
To:
tags 597531 forwarded
thanks


Andres Cimmarusti <acimmarusti@gmail.com> writes: