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Question from a student:

x to the second power = -16

what number solves the equation?

Hi,

If you are looking for a real number solution then there is none since for each real number $x, x^2$ is not negative. If you are working in the complex numbers and $i = \sqrt{-1}$ then you can solve $x^2 = -16$ using the fact that $i^2 = -1.$

Penny

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