How do you solve 2n^2=-1442n2=−144?

1 Answer
smendyka
Feb 16, 2017

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, divide each side of the equation by color(red)(2)2 to isolate the n^2n2 term while keeping the equation balanced:

(2n^2)/color(red)(2) = -144/color(red)(2)2n22=−1442

(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(2)))n^2)/cancel(color(red)(2)) = -72

n^2 = -72

Now, take the square root of each side of the equation to solve for n while keeping the equation balanced. Remember, when taking the square root of a number there is a negative and positive answer:

sqrt(n^2) = sqrt(-72)

There is no real solution to this problem. You cannot take the square root of a negative number.

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