Description:
Square Root Questions involve solving equations with
either the √ symbol, or a variable raised to a fraction such as
(x)1⁄2
Approach:
Remember that you cannot take the square root of a negative number, and
remember that you can remove square roots by squaring both sides of an equation.
1) Negative Numbers
You cannot take the square root of a negative number unless the problem's
answers have i in them.
i 2 = -1
For example:
-9(1⁄2)
= 3i
-
This is because 3 squared
equals 9,
-
and
i2 = -1
2) Practice:
What is the value of -36a2
-
-6a
-
6a
-
-6ai
-
6ai
-
36ai
