Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 July 2016
An account of the solution of a quadratic equation associated with a gas dynamic problem is given. Numerical examination of the equation Indicated that a conditional statement was required In a computer programme to determine the sign to be used in front of a square root. The necessity for this conditional statement was examined by studying a general quadratic equation. The study has also led to the formulation of a rule on the selection of a “desired root” of a quadratic equation.