How do you solve #2x^2 + 8 = -2# by taking square roots?

1 Answer
Nov 5, 2015

Simplify the equation by dividing by common denominator first (2). Then get x alone, then do square root. The square root of a negative number will result in #i#, an imaginary number.

Explanation:

1: Divide by 2: #x^2+4 = -1#
2: Get x alone: #x^2 = -5#
3: Do square root: #x=-isqrt5# or #x=isqrt5#