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[-] pr06lefs@lemmy.ml 185 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

What about plain old x = -10?

-10 ^ 2 = 100
-10 ^ 3 = -1000
-10 ^ 5 = -100000

[-] Redacted@lemmy.world 122 points 2 years ago

Isn't that the joke?

[-] Enkers@sh.itjust.works 68 points 2 years ago

That's what he wrote, I imagine.

[-] JackbyDev@programming.dev 47 points 2 years ago

i² = -1 so...

[-] dwindling7373@feddit.it 32 points 2 years ago
[-] Abracadaniel@hexbear.net 13 points 2 years ago

of course, but this problem is solvable without any understanding of complex numbers, and 10*i^2 is a really clunky, multi-operation expression whereas -10 is just an integer.

simplifying one's answers is standard practice and any grader who received the answer in the OP would be obligated to point out that while technically correct, they're missing the basic fact that the answer is -10.

The Rube Goldberg comment is apt as the solution is absurdly complicated and overengineered for the task it performs.

[-] dwindling7373@feddit.it 2 points 2 years ago

Yes that's what the thing you are looking at is built upon.

[-] thedudeabides@lemmy.dbzer0.com 20 points 2 years ago
[-] pr06lefs@lemmy.ml 40 points 2 years ago

people being pedantic showoffs doesn't really register as humor for me, TBH

[-] thedudeabides@lemmy.dbzer0.com 14 points 2 years ago

That's true, the OOP is being quite snarky with their comment on a post where someone's had a genuine basic doubt

[-] aaaaaaadjsf@hexbear.net 12 points 2 years ago

Yeah exactly you're right, why overcomplicate the problem like the Reddit comment did? I guess that's just typical Reddit thinking that being pendantic and using lots of fancy words and long explanations makes you smart.

[-] Krauerking@lemy.lol 3 points 2 years ago

Nah just boiler plate autism.

[-] Deconceptualist@lemm.ee 10 points 2 years ago

That was my immediate thought too.

[-] Sphks@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 2 years ago
this post was submitted on 24 Jul 2024
371 points (96.7% liked)

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