How do you solve #2n^2=-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)# to isolate the #n^2# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#(2n^2)/color(red)(2) = -144/color(red)(2)#

#(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.

Related questions
See all questions in Use Square Roots to Solve Quadratic Equations
Impact of this question
2269 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License