Really quite an interesting thread - and thanks Carl for your scholarly illustrations!
Shelley you should be aware that Window's calculator has been shown to be ocassionally flaky. Don't ask me how something as basic as a calculator app can return an incorrect result, but there's Microsoft for you! But it sounds like that wasn't the issue in your algebra in anycase...
As for as the definition of a planet goes, IMHO Jupiter and Saturn clearly do not qualify for even 'failed star' appellations.
However, I do imagine the sentinent denizens of exsolar gas-giants laughing amongst each other at the little 'rocks' in their own planetary systems.
"Should we name them planets? They seem rather small, barren and uninteresting by our standards!"
"Oh yes, they have no 'atmosphere' to speak of! There will be little possibility of life, or other points of interest in such tiny and rocky geospheres..."
