Solve the equation for real x: x^(2/3) + x^(1/3) - 2 = 0.
x = 1 and x = -8
x = 1 and x = 8
x = -1 and x = 8
x = 2 and x = -1
Correct answer: x = 1 and x = -8
Solution
Let t = x^(1/3). The equation becomes t² + t - 2 = 0, i.e. (t + 2)(t - 1) = 0, so t = 1 or t = -2. Then x = t³: t = 1 -> x = 1; t = -2 -> x = (-2)³ = -8. Both are real solutions.