RC>All I have to do is prove the rule does not exist,
RM> This can't realistically be done; even if every authority
RM> agreed there was no such rule, it wouldn't preclude that
RM> such a rule, undetected, exists...
SK>Not so, Ron.
SK>It has been conclusively proved, for instance, that while general
SK>solutions exist for polynomials of second degree (i.e. the Quadratic
SK>Formula) and also general solutions exist for 3rd and 4th degree
SK>polynomials (quite ugly formulas, though)....
SK>That there exists NO general polynomial solution for fifth degree and
SK>greater. It IS possible to that a formula for a certain type of problem
SK>does not exist, in some cases.
Well... Ok.... I still find it difficult to accept a proof 
of nonexistence; I guess I'd have to see the basis for the
proof (and understand it ).  It has been "proven" that
no physical object can attain, let alone, exceed the speed
of light, but many of us hold out hope for some undiscovered
loophole......                ;-)
RC>or find the rule and present it.
RM> There are a couple math people here, maybe one of them can
RM> help with this....
SK>Had I the time, I'd try to be of assistance. However, while I recall
SK>seeing some types of problems similar to that in past courses, it's
SK>something I'd have to dig for and refresh my memory on. Too time
SK>consuming. I'm going to go grade papers now.    ;-)
Too familiar... I've a stack of labs requiring my attention!
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 * MR/2 2.26 * "OS/2 is THE operating system of the 90's" - Bill Gates
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