Last updated on May 26th, 2025
When a number is multiplied by itself, the result is a square. The inverse of the square is a square root. The concept of square roots extends into complex numbers when dealing with negative values. Here, we will discuss the square root of -90.
The square root is the inverse of squaring a number. Since -90 is a negative number, its square root is not a real number. Instead, it is a complex number. The square root of -90 is expressed in both radical and exponential form. In radical form, it is expressed as √(-90), whereas in exponential form, it is (-90)^(1/2). The square root of -90 is an imaginary number, which can be expressed as 3√10i, where i is the imaginary unit defined as √(-1).
The square root of a negative number involves the imaginary unit i. For positive numbers, methods like prime factorization, long division, and approximation are used. However, for negative numbers, we focus on expressing them in terms of i. Let us explore this concept further: Imaginary unit i Expressing negative roots in terms of i Simplifying under the radical
To express the square root of a negative number using imaginary numbers, we follow these steps:
Step 1: Express -90 as -1 × 90.
Step 2: Recognize that the square root of -1 is i, the imaginary unit. Thus, √(-1) = i.
Step 3: Write √(-90) as √(-1 × 90) = √(-1) × √90 = i√90.
Step 4: Simplify √90 by finding its prime factors: 90 = 2 × 3^2 × 5. Thus, √90 = √(3^2 × 10) = 3√10.
Step 5: Combine the expressions to get √(-90) = 3√10i.
Complex numbers, which include real and imaginary parts, are essential for understanding square roots of negative numbers. The square root of -90 is purely imaginary, expressed as 3√10i. Real numbers cannot yield a negative square when squared; hence, imaginary numbers are used. Let's elaborate on this: Real part: zero for purely imaginary numbers Imaginary part: derived from the radical simplification Application of complex numbers in various fields
Imaginary numbers extend the real number system to solve equations lacking real solutions. Their applications include electrical engineering, quantum physics, and complex number theory. Understanding square roots of negative numbers is foundational in these fields: Electrical circuits: alternating current representations Quantum mechanics: wave functions and probabilities Complex analysis: advanced calculus and engineering
Mistakes frequently occur when dealing with square roots of negative numbers due to misunderstandings about imaginary units and complex numbers. Let us explore common errors and how to avoid them:
Can you help Max find the magnitude of a complex number if it is given as 5 + √(-90)?
The magnitude of the complex number is approximately 20.12.
The magnitude of a complex number a + bi is √(a^2 + b^2). For 5 + √(-90), express √(-90) as 3√10i. Thus, we have 5 + 3√10i. Calculate: √(5^2 + (3√10)^2) = √(25 + 90) = √115 ≈ 20.12.
If the square root of -90 is added to a real number 10, what is the result in complex number form?
The result is 10 + 3√10i.
The square root of -90 is expressed as 3√10i. Adding this to the real number 10 gives the complex number 10 + 3√10i, with 10 as the real part and 3√10i as the imaginary part.
Calculate the result of squaring the square root of -90.
The result is -90.
Squaring the square root of -90, which is 3√10i, results in (3√10i)^2 = (3√10)^2 × i^2 = 90 × (-1) = -90, since i^2 = -1.
What is the conjugate of the complex number 7 + √(-90)?
The conjugate is 7 - 3√10i.
The conjugate of a complex number a + bi is a - bi. For 7 + √(-90), express √(-90) as 3√10i. Thus, the conjugate is 7 - 3√10i.
Find the imaginary part of the complex number formed by adding 5 to the square root of -90.
The imaginary part is 3√10i.
Form the complex number by adding 5 to the square root of -90, which is 3√10i. Therefore, the complex number is 5 + 3√10i, with the imaginary part being 3√10i.
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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