How do you solve #2n^2 = -144#?

2 Answers
Apr 16, 2018

#n = ± 6isqrt{2}#

Explanation:

#2n^2 = -144#

#n^2 = -72#

#n = ± sqrt{-72}#

The square root of a negative number will always involve complex numbers.

#n = ± isqrt{72}#

Since #72 / 6^2 = 2#

#n = ± 6isqrt{2}#

Apr 16, 2018

#n=+-6sqrt2i#

Explanation:

#"divide both sides by 2"#

#rArrn^2=-144/2=-72#

#color(blue)"take the square root of both sides"#

#rArrn=+-sqrt-72larrcolor(blue)"note plus or minus"#

#[sqrt-72=sqrt(36xx2xx-1)=sqrt36xxsqrt2xxsqrt(-1)]#

#rArrn=+-6sqrt2i#