Macsyma provides the same answer, -sqrt(2)/2 for both x and y.
the simplification to 1/sqrt(2) is, I think, not something that ratsimp
should do.
The occurrence of an expression without a simp flag is wrong. If someone
can run
a very old version of maxima, it might help narrow the change time.
Also note that parsing sqrt(2)/-2 is kind of bizarre.
ma
RJF
> -----Original Message-----
> From: maxima-bounces at math.utexas.edu
> [mailto:maxima-bounces at math.utexas.edu] On Behalf Of Robert Dodier
> Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 8:28 PM
> To: van Nek
> Cc: Maxima at math.utexas.edu
> Subject: Re: [Maxima] sqrt(2)/2
>
> On 8/18/08, van Nek <van.nek at arcor.de> wrote:
>
> > I think there shouldn't be a difference. The second mexpt
> has a simp
> > flag. If I understand right this prevents y from being simplified.
>
> I don't know what is the right answer here. However I hope that
> the 2 or 3 people who do know will comment. Otherwise I might
> get inspired to try to figure it out and change it myself.
>
> If I'm not mistaken the simplification of radicals was modified
> in the recent past (not more than 2 years ago). I forget what
> was at issue then, and what changes were made; but maybe
> before making further changes it would be useful to review.
>
> best
>
> Robert Dodier
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