Problem Solving

Hello,

For the following:

If x is a positive integer, which of the following CANNOT be expressed as n^2, where n is an integer?

A) x^5
B) X^2 - 1
C) sq. root (x^8)
D) X^2 + 1
E) sq. root (x^5)

OA: D

For B. the explanation from Veritas mentions that if x = 1 => x^2 - 1 = 1 - 1 = 0. I was just wondering if it is correct that 0 is an integer?

Thanks a lot,
Sri

Hi Sri,
As far as I know, 0 is an even integer, that is neither considered positive nor negative.

Regards,
Tushar

"0" is neutral (not positive & not negative) Even Integer.

(A) Lets says x = 1==> 1^5 ==> 1 POSSIBLE
(B) Lets says x = 1==> 1^2 - 1 ==> 0 POSSIBLE
(C) Lets says x = 1==> sqrt(x^8) ==> 1 POSSIBLE
(D) NOT POSSIBLE..
(E) Lets says x = 1==> sqrt(x^5) ==> 1 POSSIBLE