How do you simplify #(-1)^(1/2)#? Algebra Exponents and Exponential Functions Fractional Exponents 1 Answer Euan S. Aug 25, 2016 #sqrt(-1) = +-i# Explanation: We have to use the imaginary unit #i#. This is defined as the roots of the polynomial #x^2+1=0# Giving #x = +-sqrt(-1)#. We define #i^2=-1# so #x=+-sqrt(i^2) = +-i# Answer link Related questions What are Fractional Exponents? How do you convert radical expressions to fractional exponents? How do you simplify fractional exponents? How do you evaluate fractional exponents? Why are fractional exponents roots? How do you simplify #(x^{\frac{1}{2}} y^{-\frac{2}{3}})(x^2 y^{\frac{1}{3}})#? How do you simplify #((3x)/(y^(1/3)))^3# without any fractions in the answer? How do you simplify #\frac{a^{-2}b^{-3}}{c^{-1}}# without any negative or fractional exponents... How do you evaluate #(16^{\frac{1}{2}})^3#? What is #5^0#? See all questions in Fractional Exponents Impact of this question 5594 views around the world You can reuse this answer Creative Commons License