Question

How do you find all the real and complex roots of `x^2-3=0`?

Answer 1

`x=+-sqrt3`

Explanation:

Solve the equation as you normally would.

Move the `3` to the right side of the equation.

`x^2=3`

Take the square root of both sides. Recall that the square root can be positive or negative.

`sqrt(x^2)=+-sqrt3`

`x=+-sqrt3`

These are the only two roots (both of which are real). We know the equation will only have two roots since the function's degree (largest exponent) is `2`.