http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=sqr+of+-1
Otherwise, you'll need to wait for a math tutor to come online.
what is the square root of -1
2 answers
The square root of -1 is an extension to the real numbers, so that every degree-n polynomial has exactly n roots. It is written as i.
So, √-16 = √(16* -1) = √16√-1 = 4i
It has no "value" that you can assign a number to. It is not a number as normally considered.
Remember the quadratic formula? You might come up with a situation where there are no roots. That is, for no real value of x is y=0. As in y = x^2 + 4
However, if you allow complex numbers, of the form a+bi where a and b are real, then a quadratic always has exactly two roots.
So, √-16 = √(16* -1) = √16√-1 = 4i
It has no "value" that you can assign a number to. It is not a number as normally considered.
Remember the quadratic formula? You might come up with a situation where there are no roots. That is, for no real value of x is y=0. As in y = x^2 + 4
However, if you allow complex numbers, of the form a+bi where a and b are real, then a quadratic always has exactly two roots.
1 answer