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Last updated on May 26th, 2025

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Square Root of -96

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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 concept of square roots extends into the realm of complex numbers when dealing with negative numbers. Here, we will discuss the square root of -96.

Square Root of -96 for Vietnamese Students
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What is the Square Root of -96?

The square root is the inverse of the square of the number. Since -96 is a negative number, its square root is not a real number. The square root of -96 can be expressed in terms of imaginary numbers. In radical form, it is expressed as √(-96), which can be simplified to 4i√6, where i is the imaginary unit with the property that i² = -1.square root of minus 96

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Finding the Square Root of -96

For negative numbers, we use imaginary numbers to express their square roots. Here, we will explore how to express the square root of -96 using imaginary units.

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Square Root of -96 by Simplifying with Imaginary Numbers

To find the square root of -96, we first express it in terms of its prime factors and the imaginary unit:

 

Step 1: Recognize that -96 can be expressed as 96 multiplied by -1.

 

Step 2: The prime factorization of 96 is 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 = 2⁵ x 3.

 

Step 3: The square root of 96 is √(2⁵ x 3), which simplifies to 4√6.

 

Step 4: Combine this with the square root of -1, which is i, to get the final result: √(-96) = 4i√6.

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Applications of Imaginary Numbers in Square Roots

Imaginary numbers are used in various fields such as engineering and physics to solve equations that do not have real solutions. Here, we learn how to apply imaginary numbers in practical scenarios involving square roots of negative numbers.

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Common Mistakes When Dealing with Square Roots of Negative Numbers

When working with square roots of negative numbers, there are some common errors to avoid. Let's discuss these mistakes and how to prevent them.

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Examples Involving the Square Root of -96

We will consider a few examples to illustrate the application of square roots involving imaginary numbers, using -96 as our focal point.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in the Square Root of -96

Errors often occur when students first encounter the concept of imaginary numbers in square roots. Let's look at some common misunderstandings and how to address them.

Mistake 1

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Forgetting the Imaginary Unit

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

 

For example, forgetting to include i when finding √(-96) can lead to incorrect results. Always remember: the square root of a negative number is an imaginary number.

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Square Root of -96 Examples

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Problem 1

Can you simplify the expression √(-96) using imaginary numbers?

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Yes, it simplifies to 4i√6.

Explanation

By breaking down -96 into 96 and -1, we take the square root of 96 to get 4√6 and then include i for the square root of -1, resulting in 4i√6.

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Problem 2

If the square root of a negative number is expressed as bi, what is b for √(-96)?

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b is 4√6.

Explanation

By expressing √(-96) as 4i√6, we identify b as 4√6, where i represents the imaginary unit.

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Problem 3

Calculate 3 times the square root of -96.

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The result is 12i√6.

Explanation

First, find the square root of -96, which is 4i√6. Then multiply by 3: 3 × 4i√6 = 12i√6.

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Problem 4

What is the product of the square roots of -96 and -4?

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The product is 8i√24.

Explanation

The square root of -96 is 4i√6, and the square root of -4 is 2i. Multiply them: (4i√6)(2i) = 8i²√6 = -8√6, since i² = -1.

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Problem 5

What is the conjugate of 4i√6?

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The conjugate is -4i√6.

Explanation

For any complex number, the conjugate is obtained by changing the sign of the imaginary part, so the conjugate of 4i√6 is -4i√6.

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FAQ on Square Root of -96

1.What is √(-96) in its simplest form?

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2.What does the 'i' in 4i√6 represent?

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3.Are there real solutions to the square root of -96?

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4.How do you multiply imaginary numbers?

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5.Can the square root of a negative number be a real number?

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Important Glossaries for the Square Root of -96

  • Imaginary Number: An imaginary number is a number that can be written as a real number multiplied by the imaginary unit i, where i² = -1. Example: 4i, 5i.
     
  • Complex Number: A complex number is a number that has both a real part and an imaginary part, such as 3 + 4i.
     
  • Prime Factorization: Prime factorization is breaking down a number into its basic prime number factors. For example, the prime factorization of 96 is 2⁵ x 3.
     
  • Conjugate: In the context of complex numbers, the conjugate of a number a + bi is a - bi.
     
  • Square Root: The square root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. For negative numbers, this involves the imaginary unit i.
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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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Fun Fact

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

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