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Last updated on May 26th, 2025

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Square Root of -80

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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 -80.

Square Root of -80 for Vietnamese Students
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

What is the Square Root of -80?

The square root is the inverse of the square of a number. Since -80 is a negative number, its square root is not a real number. Instead, it is expressed in terms of an imaginary number. The square root of -80 is expressed in both radical and exponential form using the imaginary unit 'i'. In radical form, it is expressed as √(-80) = √(80) * i. In exponential form, it is (80)^(1/2) * i. The value of √80 is approximately 8.944, so √(-80) ≈ 8.944i, which is an imaginary number.square root of minus 80

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Finding the Square Root of -80

To find the square root of a negative number, we use the imaginary unit 'i', where i = √(-1). The methods usually employed for positive numbers, such as prime factorization, long division, and approximation, can be adapted to include the imaginary unit. Let's explore these methods:

 

  • Prime factorization method 
  • Long division method
  • Approximation method
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Square Root of -80 by Prime Factorization Method

The prime factorization of a number can help simplify the square root. Here’s how we can factorize 80:

 

Step 1: Finding the prime factors of 80 Breaking it down, we get 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 5 = 2^4 × 5.

 

Step 2: Simplifying the square root of 80 Using the prime factors, √80 = √(2^4 × 5) = 2^2 × √5 = 4√5.

 

Step 3: Including the imaginary unit Since we are dealing with the square root of -80, we multiply by i: √(-80) = 4√5 * i.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Square Root of -80 by Long Division Method

The long division method helps approximate the square root of positive numbers. For -80, we first find the square root of 80, then multiply by i.

 

Step 1: Group numbers from right to left for 80 as 80.

 

Step 2: Find the largest integer whose square is less than or equal to 80. That integer is 8 since 8^2 = 64.

 

Step 3: Use long division to find the decimal value approximately, yielding √80 ≈ 8.944.

 

Step 4: Multiply by i to get √(-80) ≈ 8.944i.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Square Root of -80 by Approximation Method

Approximation helps find the square root of a number quickly. For -80, we focus on 80 first.

 

Step 1: Identify the closest perfect squares around 80, which are 64 (8^2) and 100 (10^2).

 

Step 2: Given that √80 is between 8 and 10, it’s approximately 8.944.

 

Step 3: Multiply by i to get √(-80) ≈ 8.944i.

Max Pointing Out Common Math Mistakes

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in the Square Root of -80

Students often make mistakes when dealing with square roots of negative numbers, especially forgetting to include the imaginary unit. Let’s review some common errors:

Mistake 1

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Forgetting the Imaginary Unit

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It is crucial to remember that the square root of a negative number involves the imaginary unit 'i'.

 

For example, forgetting that √(-80) should be expressed as 8.944i is a common oversight.

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Square Root of -80 Examples

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Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 1

Can you help Max find the area of a square box if its side length is given as √(-50)?

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The area of the square is -50 square units.

Explanation

The area of a square is side^2.

The side length is given as √(-50).

Area of the square = (√(-50))^2 = -50.

Therefore, the area of the square box is -50 square units.

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Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 2

A square-shaped building measuring -80 square feet is planned; if each of the sides is √(-80), what will be the square feet of half of the building?

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-40 square feet

Explanation

To find half of the area of a square, divide the total area by 2.

The given area is -80 square feet. Dividing -80 by 2 gives -40.

So half of the building measures -40 square feet.

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

Problem 3

Calculate 5 × √(-80).

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44.72i

Explanation

First, find the square root of -80, which is approximately 8.944i.

Then multiply by 5: 5 × 8.944i = 44.72i.

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Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 4

What will be the square root of (50 + 30i)?

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The square root is approximately 7.071 + 4.243i.

Explanation

To find the square root of a complex number like (50 + 30i), use the formula for the square root of a complex number. In this case, the square root is approximately 7.071 + 4.243i.

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Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 5

Find the perimeter of a rectangle if its length ‘l’ is √(-50) units and the width ‘w’ is 30 units.

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Perimeter cannot be calculated with complex numbers in this context.

Explanation

The perimeter of a rectangle is calculated as 2 × (length + width).

Since √(-50) is a complex number, the perimeter with real dimensions cannot be determined in the usual sense.

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Ray Thinking Deeply About Math Problems

FAQ on Square Root of -80

1.What is √(-80) in its simplest form?

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2.What are the factors of 80?

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3.What is the square of -80?

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4.Is -80 a prime number?

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5.80 is divisible by?

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Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Important Glossaries for the Square Root of -80

  • Imaginary Number: An imaginary number is a number that can be written as a real number multiplied by the imaginary unit i, where i = √(-1).
     
  • Complex Number: A complex number is a number that comprises a real part and an imaginary part. Example: 3 + 4i.
     
  • Square Root: The square root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. For negative numbers, the square root includes the imaginary unit 'i'.
     
  • Prime Factorization: Breaking down a number into its prime factors, which are the prime numbers that multiply together to yield the original number.
     
  • Approximation: Estimating a value based on calculations, often used to find the square root of non-perfect squares.
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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.

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Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Fun Fact

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

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