But x^3 = 3^6, x = 9 is just one solution in N. There should be two other solutions in R. x^3 = 3^6 => x^3 = 9^3 x^3 - 9^3 = 0 (Transpose set to 0) (x - 9)(x^2 + 9x + 9) = 0 (Difference of two cubes) x - 9 = 0; x = 9 € N. Solving x^2 + 9x + 9 = 0 using the quadratic formula will give two irrational roots in R. (- 9 +/- 3(sqrt5))/2.