Probably because you typed solve(x^2+4*x+4= O,x)
instead of solve(x^2+4*x+4=0,x)
And for your other question, can you always get the shortest answer?
Theoretically, yes. Practically, no. Would it be useful? Not as a default.
Printing out the numbers would not give you numbers.
1022,1023,4^5,1025, ...
_____
From: maxima-bounces at math.utexas.edu [mailto:maxima-bounces at math.utexas.edu]
On Behalf Of akim
Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2008 8:37 AM
To: maxima at math.utexas.edu
Subject: Another observation
Hi,
try to solve x^2+4*x+4 = 0
answer:
x = sqrt(0)-2
or
x = -sqrt(0)-2
why not just x = -2 ?
Best regards