Michelle My Bell Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 This is Michelle's daughter... a few weeks ago, I posted a math question on here, and now I have another one. lol Ok, so here is the math problem: Let a ♦ b = (a-b)³ for all integers a and b. Which if the following is the value of 3 ♦ (-2) ? My question is: What in the world are those diamond symbols?? And how do you use them?? (Ok, so that was two questions....) I have googled and googled an googled, and have found no answers. Although I usually just assume if it's not on google it doesn't exist, I thought I'd try one more stop before throwing my math book at the wall in frustration. Thank you. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheReader Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 I have no idea. But since the problem gives what a (diamond) b equals, you can just use that equation instead. So, in this case, (3 - -2)^3, which then is (3+2)^3, so (5)^3, so 5 x 5 x 5, so 125. Never seen the diamond, but having the sub equation makes it rather irrelevant, I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivka Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 I have no idea. But since the problem gives what a (diamond) b equals, you can just use that equation instead. Right. The function "diamond" is defined in the problem. "Diamond" doesn't mean something stable across all math problems, it's specific to this one. They could have used "heart" or "pentagon" or "sporfle" or anything else. Solve it like TheReader solved it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chepyl Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 The first part of the problem defines what the function of the diamond is. Now you solve using that function: (3-(-2))cubed. (I am on my phone and cannot do an exponent ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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