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.

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