BrightChamps Logo
Login
Creative Math Ideas Image
Live Math Learners Count Icon102 Learners

Last updated on May 26th, 2025

Math Whiteboard Illustration

Square Root of -147

Professor Greenline Explaining Math Concepts

If a number is multiplied by the same number, the result is a square. The inverse of the square is a square root. The square root is used in the field of vehicle design, finance, etc. Here, we will discuss the square root of -147.

Square Root of -147 for Vietnamese Students
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

What is the Square Root of -147?

The square root is the inverse of the square of the number. Since -147 is a negative number, it does not have a real square root because a real number squared is always non-negative. Instead, the square root of -147 is expressed in terms of an imaginary number. In radical form, it is expressed as √-147, which can be written as i√147 in terms of real and imaginary components, where i is the imaginary unit (i² = -1). The approximate value of √147 is 12.124, so the square root of -147 is approximately 12.124i.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Finding the Square Root of -147

To find the square root of a negative number, we use imaginary numbers. Here, we will illustrate how to express the square root of -147 using imaginary numbers:

 

Step 1: Express the negative number in terms of a positive number and the imaginary unit: √-147 = √(147) × √(-1) = √147 × i

 

Step 2: Calculate the square root of 147, which is approximately 12.124.

 

Step 3: Combine the result with the imaginary unit: √-147 = 12.124i

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Square Root of 147 by Prime Factorization Method

To find the square root of 147, we can use the prime factorization method for the positive part of the number:

 

Step 1: The prime factorization of 147 is 3 × 7 × 7 or 3 × 7².

 

Step 2: Pair the prime factors: Since we have a pair of 7s, we can take one 7 out of the square root.

 

Step 3: The square root of 147 in simplest form is expressed as √147 = √(3 × 7²) = 7√3.

 

Thus, the square root of -147 is 7√3i.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Square Root of -147 by Long Division Method

The long division method is typically used for finding square roots of non-perfect squares. For -147, we are interested in the imaginary square root:

 

Step 1: Consider the positive part, 147, and find its square root using long division, which is approximately 12.124.

 

Step 2: Since -147 is negative, the square root is expressed as an imaginary number: √-147 = 12.124i.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Square Root of -147 by Approximation Method

To approximate the square root of -147, we use the square root of 147 and express it in terms of an imaginary number:

 

Step 1: Approximate √147 using the closest perfect squares, 144 and 169. √147 lies between 12 and 13.

 

Step 2: Calculate the decimal approximation: (147 - 144) / (169 - 144) = 3 / 25 = 0.12

 

Step 3: Add the decimal approximation to the lower bound: 12 + 0.12 = 12.12

 

Step 4: Therefore, the square root of -147 is approximately 12.12i.

Max Pointing Out Common Math Mistakes

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in the Square Root of -147

Students often make mistakes when dealing with negative square roots, such as ignoring the imaginary unit or incorrect calculations. Let’s explore some common errors and how to prevent them.

Mistake 1

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Ignoring the Imaginary Unit

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

A common mistake is to ignore the imaginary unit when finding the square root of a negative number. Remember that the square root of a negative number involves the imaginary unit i.

For example, √-50 = 7.07i, not just 7.07.

Max from BrightChamps Saying "Hey"

Square Root of -147 Examples

Ray, the Character from BrightChamps Explaining Math Concepts
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 1

If the side length of a square is √-98, what is the area of the square in terms of imaginary numbers?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"

The area of the square is -98 square units.

Explanation

The area of the square = side².

The side length is given as √-98.

Area = (√-98)² = -98

Therefore, the area of the square is -98 square units.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 2

A rectangular garden has a length of √-147 meters and a width of 10 meters. What is the perimeter in terms of imaginary numbers?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"

The perimeter is 20 + 24.248i meters.

Explanation

Perimeter of a rectangle = 2 × (length + width)

Perimeter = 2 × (√-147 + 10) = 2 × (12.124i + 10) = 20 + 24.248i meters

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 3

Calculate 3 times the square root of -147.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"

36.372i

Explanation

Find the square root of -147, which is 12.124i.

Then multiply by 3: 3 × 12.124i = 36.372i

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 4

What is the result of adding √-147 and √-3?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"

The result is 14.045i.

Explanation

Find the square roots: √-147 = 12.124i √-3 = 1.732i

Add them: 12.124i + 1.732i = 14.045i

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 5

If the hypotenuse of a right triangle is √-147, what is the length in terms of imaginary numbers?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"

The hypotenuse length is 12.124i units.

Explanation

The hypotenuse is given as √-147, which equals 12.124i units.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Ray Thinking Deeply About Math Problems

FAQ on Square Root of -147

1.What is √-147 in its simplest form?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

2.What is i in the context of square roots?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

3.Why does -147 not have a real square root?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

4.How do you express the square root of a negative number?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

5.What is the approximate value of √147?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

6.How does learning Algebra help students in Vietnam make better decisions in daily life?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

7.How can cultural or local activities in Vietnam support learning Algebra topics such as Square Root of -147?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

8.How do technology and digital tools in Vietnam support learning Algebra and Square Root of -147?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

9.Does learning Algebra support future career opportunities for students in Vietnam?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Important Glossaries for the Square Root of -147

  • Imaginary Unit: Represented by i, it is the square root of -1, used to express square roots of negative numbers.

 

  • Square Root: The value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. For negative numbers, it includes the imaginary unit.

 

  • Prime Factorization: The expression of a number as the product of its prime factors, used for simplifying square roots.

 

  • Approximation: A method of finding a near value, applied to non-perfect square roots for estimating decimal values.

 

  • Real Number: A value that represents a quantity along a continuous line, excluding imaginary numbers like those involving i.
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

About BrightChamps in Vietnam

At BrightChamps, we know algebra is more than symbols—it’s a path to countless opportunities! Our goal is to help children across Vietnam grasp essential math skills, with today’s focus on the Square Root of -147 and a special look at square roots—in an engaging, enjoyable, and easy-to-learn way. Whether your child is figuring out how fast a roller coaster moves at Suoi Tien Theme Park, keeping track of local football scores, or budgeting their allowance for new gadgets, mastering algebra gives them the confidence to handle daily challenges. Our interactive lessons make learning easy and fun. Since children in Vietnam learn in different ways, we adapt to each learner’s style. From Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant streets to the beautiful Ha Long Bay, BrightChamps makes math come alive throughout Vietnam. Let’s make square roots an exciting part of every child’s math adventure!
Math Teacher Background Image
Math Teacher Image

Jaskaran Singh Saluja

About the Author

Jaskaran Singh Saluja is a math wizard with nearly three years of experience as a math teacher. His expertise is in algebra, so he can make algebra classes interesting by turning tricky equations into simple puzzles.

Math Teacher Fun Facts Image
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Fun Fact

: He loves to play the quiz with kids through algebra to make kids love it.

INDONESIA - Axa Tower 45th floor, JL prof. Dr Satrio Kav. 18, Kel. Karet Kuningan, Kec. Setiabudi, Kota Adm. Jakarta Selatan, Prov. DKI Jakarta
INDIA - H.No. 8-2-699/1, SyNo. 346, Rd No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana - 500034
SINGAPORE - 60 Paya Lebar Road #05-16, Paya Lebar Square, Singapore (409051)
USA - 251, Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808
VIETNAM (Office 1) - Hung Vuong Building, 670 Ba Thang Hai, ward 14, district 10, Ho Chi Minh City
VIETNAM (Office 2) - 143 Nguyễn Thị Thập, Khu đô thị Him Lam, Quận 7, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Dubai - BrightChamps, 8W building 5th Floor, DAFZ, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
UK - Ground floor, Redwood House, Brotherswood Court, Almondsbury Business Park, Bristol, BS32 4QW, United Kingdom