A student writes the formula

MATHEMATICS · Subjective · AoPS · Mathematics · Follow the Rules · Follow the Rules

Problem

A student writes the formula ab=ab\sqrt{ab} = \sqrt{a}\sqrt{b} . Then, he substitutes a=−1a = -1 and b=−1b = -1 and finds 1=−11 = -1 . Explain, where he is wrong.

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