Square Root of Negative 1 Over 8: A Complete Guide to Understanding and Simplifying

Topic square root of negative 1 over 8: The square root of negative 1 over 8 might seem challenging, but it offers a fascinating dive into the world of imaginary numbers. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of understanding and simplifying this expression, providing clear explanations and practical examples to enhance your mathematical skills and confidence.

Understanding the Square Root of Negative 1 Over 8

The expression we are examining is the square root of negative 1 divided by 8. To understand this better, we will break it down into simpler components and then combine them to find the final result.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Identify the Square Root of -1

    The square root of -1 is represented by the imaginary unit i:

    \[
    \sqrt{-1} = i
    \]

  2. Divide i by 8

    Now, we need to divide i by 8:

    \[
    \frac{i}{8}
    \]

  3. Combine the Results

    Combining these two steps, we get the final result:

    \[
    \sqrt{\frac{-1}{8}} = \frac{i}{\sqrt{8}} = \frac{i}{2\sqrt{2}}
    \]

  4. Simplify the Expression

    To simplify, we rationalize the denominator:

    \[
    \frac{i}{2\sqrt{2}} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}} = \frac{i\sqrt{2}}{4}
    \]

Final Answer

Therefore, the square root of negative 1 over 8 simplifies to:

\[
\sqrt{\frac{-1}{8}} = \frac{i\sqrt{2}}{4}
\]

Understanding the Square Root of Negative 1 Over 8

Introduction to Imaginary Numbers

Imaginary numbers are a fundamental concept in mathematics, extending the real number system to solve equations that have no real solutions. The imaginary unit is defined as i, where:

\[
i = \sqrt{-1}
\]

This allows for the definition of complex numbers, which are numbers of the form \( a + bi \), where \( a \) and \( b \) are real numbers. Here are the key points to understand imaginary numbers:

  • Origin of Imaginary Numbers:

    Imaginary numbers were conceived to provide solutions to equations like \( x^2 + 1 = 0 \), which has no real solutions because the square of a real number is always non-negative.

  • Basic Properties:
    • \( i^2 = -1 \)
    • \( i^3 = -i \)
    • \( i^4 = 1 \) (and thus the powers of i repeat every four steps)
  • Complex Numbers:

    A complex number is written as \( a + bi \), where \( a \) is the real part and \( b \) is the imaginary part.

    • Example: \( 3 + 4i \) (real part is 3, imaginary part is 4)
  • Operations with Imaginary Numbers:

    Imaginary numbers can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided, similar to real numbers, but with special rules for handling \( i \).

    • Addition: \( (a + bi) + (c + di) = (a+c) + (b+d)i \)
    • Subtraction: \( (a + bi) - (c + di) = (a-c) + (b-d)i \)
    • Multiplication: \( (a + bi)(c + di) = (ac - bd) + (ad + bc)i \)
    • Division: \( \frac{a + bi}{c + di} = \frac{(a + bi)(c - di)}{c^2 + d^2} \)

Understanding imaginary numbers opens up new possibilities in mathematics, enabling the solution of equations and the description of phenomena that are not possible with real numbers alone. As we delve into the square root of negative 1 over 8, this foundational knowledge of imaginary numbers will be crucial.

Understanding the Square Root of Negative Numbers

Negative numbers under a square root can seem perplexing at first, as they do not have real number solutions. However, with the concept of imaginary numbers, we can easily work with these square roots. Here’s a step-by-step understanding:

  1. Recognize the Imaginary Unit:

    The imaginary unit is denoted as i and is defined by the property:

    \[
    i = \sqrt{-1}
    \]

  2. Square Root of Negative Numbers:

    When dealing with the square root of a negative number, we factor out i from the square root. For example:

    \[
    \sqrt{-a} = \sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{-1} = \sqrt{a} \cdot i
    \]

    where a is a positive real number.

  3. Example Calculation:

    Consider the square root of -4:

    \[
    \sqrt{-4} = \sqrt{4} \cdot \sqrt{-1} = 2i
    \]

  4. General Form:

    For any negative number \(-b\), where \(b\) is positive, the square root can be written as:

    \[
    \sqrt{-b} = \sqrt{b} \cdot i
    \]

Now, let’s apply this understanding to the specific case of the square root of -1 over 8.

  1. Break Down the Expression:

    We start with:

    \[
    \sqrt{\frac{-1}{8}}
    \]

    This can be written as:

    \[
    \sqrt{\frac{-1}{8}} = \sqrt{\frac{1}{8}} \cdot \sqrt{-1}
    \]

    which simplifies to:

    \[
    \sqrt{\frac{1}{8}} \cdot i
    \]

  2. Simplify the Square Root of the Fraction:

    Next, we simplify \(\sqrt{\frac{1}{8}}\):

    \[
    \sqrt{\frac{1}{8}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{8}}
    \]

    We can rationalize the denominator by multiplying by \(\sqrt{8}\):

    \[
    \frac{1}{\sqrt{8}} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{8}}{\sqrt{8}} = \frac{\sqrt{8}}{8}
    \]

    Since \(\sqrt{8} = 2\sqrt{2}\), we have:

    \[
    \frac{2\sqrt{2}}{8} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{4}
    \]

  3. Combine with the Imaginary Unit:

    Finally, incorporating the imaginary unit \(i\), we get:

    \[
    \sqrt{\frac{-1}{8}} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{4} \cdot i = \frac{i\sqrt{2}}{4}
    \]

Understanding the square root of negative numbers thus allows us to work with and simplify expressions involving these roots, using the imaginary unit to convert them into manageable forms.

Step-by-Step Process to Simplify Square Root of -1/8

Simplifying the square root of \(-\frac{1}{8}\) involves a few straightforward steps. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

  1. Identify the Expression:

    We start with the expression:

    \[
    \sqrt{\frac{-1}{8}}
    \]

  2. Separate the Square Roots:

    We can separate the square root of the numerator and the denominator:

    \[
    \sqrt{\frac{-1}{8}} = \sqrt{-1} \cdot \sqrt{\frac{1}{8}}
    \]

  3. Substitute the Imaginary Unit:

    Recognize that \(\sqrt{-1} = i\):

    \[
    \sqrt{\frac{-1}{8}} = i \cdot \sqrt{\frac{1}{8}}
    \]

  4. Simplify the Fractional Square Root:

    Simplify \(\sqrt{\frac{1}{8}}\) by rewriting it:

    \[
    \sqrt{\frac{1}{8}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{8}}
    \]

    To rationalize the denominator, multiply by \(\sqrt{8}\):

    \[
    \frac{1}{\sqrt{8}} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{8}}{\sqrt{8}} = \frac{\sqrt{8}}{8}
    \]

  5. Simplify the Square Root of 8:

    Since \(\sqrt{8} = 2\sqrt{2}\):

    \[
    \frac{\sqrt{8}}{8} = \frac{2\sqrt{2}}{8} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{4}
    \]

  6. Combine with the Imaginary Unit:

    Finally, combine with the imaginary unit \(i\):

    \[
    \sqrt{\frac{-1}{8}} = i \cdot \frac{\sqrt{2}}{4} = \frac{i\sqrt{2}}{4}
    \]

By following these steps, we have simplified the square root of \(-\frac{1}{8}\) to its final form:

\[
\sqrt{\frac{-1}{8}} = \frac{i\sqrt{2}}{4}
\]

This process highlights the importance of understanding both the imaginary unit and the techniques for simplifying fractional square roots.

Mathematical Properties of Imaginary Numbers

Imaginary numbers extend the real number system and follow specific mathematical properties that make them unique and useful in various fields. Here, we explore these properties in detail:

  1. Definition and Basic Property:

    The imaginary unit \(i\) is defined as:

    \[
    i = \sqrt{-1}
    \]

    This definition leads to the fundamental property:

    \[
    i^2 = -1
    \]

  2. Powers of \(i\):

    The powers of \(i\) follow a cyclic pattern:

    • \(i^1 = i\)
    • \(i^2 = -1\)
    • \(i^3 = -i\)
    • \(i^4 = 1\)
    • The pattern repeats every four powers: \(i^5 = i\), \(i^6 = -1\), etc.
  3. Complex Numbers:

    Imaginary numbers combine with real numbers to form complex numbers, expressed as \(a + bi\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are real numbers. For example:

    \[
    z = 3 + 4i
    \]

    In this case, \(3\) is the real part and \(4i\) is the imaginary part.

  4. Addition and Subtraction:

    Complex numbers are added and subtracted by combining their real and imaginary parts:

    • Addition: \((a + bi) + (c + di) = (a+c) + (b+d)i\)
    • Subtraction: \((a + bi) - (c + di) = (a-c) + (b-d)i\)
  5. Multiplication:

    Complex numbers are multiplied using the distributive property and the fundamental property \(i^2 = -1\):

    \[
    (a + bi)(c + di) = ac + adi + bci + bdi^2
    \]

    Simplifying this, we get:

    \[
    (a + bi)(c + di) = (ac - bd) + (ad + bc)i
    \]

  6. Division:

    To divide complex numbers, multiply the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate of the denominator:

    \[
    \frac{a + bi}{c + di} \cdot \frac{c - di}{c - di} = \frac{(a + bi)(c - di)}{c^2 + d^2}
    \]

    After simplification:

    \[
    \frac{(ac + bd) + (bc - ad)i}{c^2 + d^2}
    \]

  7. Modulus of a Complex Number:

    The modulus (or absolute value) of a complex number \(z = a + bi\) is given by:

    \[
    |z| = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2}
    \]

    This represents the distance of the complex number from the origin in the complex plane.

  8. Complex Conjugate:

    The complex conjugate of \(z = a + bi\) is denoted as \(\overline{z}\) and is given by:

    \[
    \overline{z} = a - bi
    \]

    Multiplying a complex number by its conjugate gives a real number:

    \[
    z \cdot \overline{z} = (a + bi)(a - bi) = a^2 + b^2
    \]

These mathematical properties of imaginary and complex numbers form the foundation for more advanced topics in mathematics, physics, and engineering, making them an essential part of the mathematical toolkit.

Mathematical Properties of Imaginary Numbers

Examples and Applications of Imaginary Numbers

Imaginary numbers, and by extension complex numbers, have numerous applications across various fields of science and engineering. Here, we will explore some key examples and applications to demonstrate their significance.

Examples of Imaginary Numbers

  1. Basic Example:

    The simplest example of an imaginary number is \( i \), which is defined as:

    \[
    i = \sqrt{-1}
    \]

  2. Complex Numbers:

    Combining real and imaginary parts forms complex numbers. For example:

    \[
    z = 3 + 4i
    \]

    Here, 3 is the real part, and 4i is the imaginary part.

  3. Square Root of Negative Numbers:

    Imaginary numbers allow us to handle the square roots of negative numbers. For instance:

    \[
    \sqrt{-9} = \sqrt{9} \cdot \sqrt{-1} = 3i
    \]

  4. Simplifying Expressions:

    Using imaginary numbers, we can simplify expressions like the square root of negative fractions. For example:

    \[
    \sqrt{\frac{-1}{8}} = \frac{i\sqrt{2}}{4}
    \]

Applications of Imaginary Numbers

  • Electrical Engineering:

    Imaginary numbers are essential in analyzing AC circuits, where the voltage and current are represented as complex numbers to handle phase differences:

    \[
    V(t) = V_0 e^{i\omega t}
    \]

  • Signal Processing:

    In signal processing, complex numbers are used in Fourier transforms to convert signals between time and frequency domains:

    \[
    F(\omega) = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(t) e^{-i\omega t} dt
    \]

  • Quantum Mechanics:

    Imaginary numbers appear in the Schrödinger equation, fundamental to quantum mechanics, describing the state of quantum systems:

    \[
    i\hbar \frac{\partial \psi}{\partial t} = \hat{H}\psi
    \]

  • Control Theory:

    In control systems, the stability and response of systems are analyzed using complex numbers, particularly in the design of controllers and compensators:

    \[
    H(s) = \frac{1}{s^2 + s + 1}
    \]

  • Fluid Dynamics:

    Complex potential functions are used to describe fluid flow in aerodynamics and hydrodynamics:

    \[
    \Phi(z) = \phi(x, y) + i\psi(x, y)
    \]

    where \(\phi\) and \(\psi\) are the velocity potential and stream function, respectively.

These examples and applications highlight the versatility and importance of imaginary numbers in both theoretical and applied contexts, demonstrating their crucial role in modern science and engineering.

Simplifying Complex Fractions

Simplifying complex fractions involves breaking down the expression into more manageable parts and using algebraic techniques to simplify. Here’s a step-by-step guide to simplifying complex fractions, specifically focusing on those involving imaginary numbers.

  1. Identify the Complex Fraction:

    Consider the fraction \(\frac{a + bi}{c + di}\), where \(a, b, c,\) and \(d\) are real numbers, and \(i\) is the imaginary unit.

  2. Multiply by the Conjugate:

    To eliminate the imaginary unit from the denominator, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate of the denominator. The conjugate of \(c + di\) is \(c - di\):

    \[
    \frac{a + bi}{c + di} \cdot \frac{c - di}{c - di} = \frac{(a + bi)(c - di)}{(c + di)(c - di)}
    \]

  3. Simplify the Denominator:

    The denominator simplifies using the difference of squares formula:

    \[
    (c + di)(c - di) = c^2 - (di)^2 = c^2 + d^2
    \]

  4. Expand the Numerator:

    Distribute the terms in the numerator:

    \[
    (a + bi)(c - di) = ac - adi + bci - bdi^2
    \]

    Since \(i^2 = -1\), this simplifies to:

    \[
    ac - adi + bci + bd = ac + bd + (bc - ad)i
    \]

  5. Combine and Simplify:

    Combine the real and imaginary parts:

    \[
    \frac{ac + bd + (bc - ad)i}{c^2 + d^2}
    \]

    Separate into real and imaginary components:

    \[
    \frac{ac + bd}{c^2 + d^2} + \frac{(bc - ad)i}{c^2 + d^2}
    \]

Example: Simplifying a Specific Complex Fraction

Let’s simplify the fraction \(\frac{3 + 4i}{1 - 2i}\) step-by-step:

  1. Multiply by the Conjugate:

    \[
    \frac{3 + 4i}{1 - 2i} \cdot \frac{1 + 2i}{1 + 2i} = \frac{(3 + 4i)(1 + 2i)}{(1 - 2i)(1 + 2i)}
    \]

  2. Simplify the Denominator:

    \[
    (1 - 2i)(1 + 2i) = 1 - (2i)^2 = 1 + 4 = 5
    \]

  3. Expand the Numerator:

    \[
    (3 + 4i)(1 + 2i) = 3 + 6i + 4i + 8i^2 = 3 + 10i - 8 = -5 + 10i
    \]

  4. Combine and Simplify:

    \[
    \frac{-5 + 10i}{5} = \frac{-5}{5} + \frac{10i}{5} = -1 + 2i
    \]

Therefore, the simplified form of \(\frac{3 + 4i}{1 - 2i}\) is:

\[
-1 + 2i
\]

By following these steps, you can simplify complex fractions involving imaginary numbers, making them easier to work with in various mathematical and engineering applications.

Rationalizing the Denominator

Rationalizing the denominator is a process used to eliminate radicals or imaginary numbers from the denominator of a fraction. Here’s a step-by-step guide to rationalizing the denominator, with a focus on fractions involving imaginary numbers and square roots.

  1. Identify the Fraction:

    Consider the fraction \(\frac{\sqrt{-1}}{\sqrt{8}}\). Our goal is to rationalize the denominator.

  2. Simplify the Numerator:

    Recognize that \(\sqrt{-1} = i\):

    \[
    \frac{\sqrt{-1}}{\sqrt{8}} = \frac{i}{\sqrt{8}}
    \]

  3. Multiply by the Conjugate or a Suitable Term:

    To rationalize the denominator, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by \(\sqrt{8}\) to eliminate the square root in the denominator:

    \[
    \frac{i}{\sqrt{8}} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{8}}{\sqrt{8}} = \frac{i \sqrt{8}}{8}
    \]

  4. Simplify the Expression:

    Simplify the numerator and the fraction as a whole:

    \[
    i \sqrt{8} = i \cdot 2 \sqrt{2} = 2i \sqrt{2}
    \]

    Thus, we get:

    \[
    \frac{2i \sqrt{2}}{8} = \frac{i \sqrt{2}}{4}
    \]

Example: Rationalizing a Complex Fraction

Let’s rationalize the denominator of a specific complex fraction, \(\frac{3 + 2i}{1 - \sqrt{2}}\), step-by-step:

  1. Identify the Conjugate:

    To rationalize the denominator, multiply by the conjugate of \(1 - \sqrt{2}\), which is \(1 + \sqrt{2}\):

    \[
    \frac{3 + 2i}{1 - \sqrt{2}} \cdot \frac{1 + \sqrt{2}}{1 + \sqrt{2}}
    \]

  2. Multiply the Denominator:

    The denominator becomes a difference of squares:

    \[
    (1 - \sqrt{2})(1 + \sqrt{2}) = 1 - (\sqrt{2})^2 = 1 - 2 = -1
    \]

  3. Expand the Numerator:

    Distribute the terms in the numerator:

    \[
    (3 + 2i)(1 + \sqrt{2}) = 3 + 3\sqrt{2} + 2i + 2i\sqrt{2}
    \]

  4. Combine and Simplify:

    Combine like terms in the numerator:

    \[
    3 + 3\sqrt{2} + 2i + 2i\sqrt{2}
    \]

    Thus, the fraction becomes:

    \[
    \frac{3 + 3\sqrt{2} + 2i + 2i\sqrt{2}}{-1} = -(3 + 3\sqrt{2} + 2i + 2i\sqrt{2})
    \]

    Simplifying further, we get:

    \[
    -3 - 3\sqrt{2} - 2i - 2i\sqrt{2}
    \]

By following these steps, we have successfully rationalized the denominator of the fraction. Rationalizing the denominator is a useful technique to simplify expressions and make further mathematical operations more manageable.

Final Simplified Form of Square Root of -1/8

To simplify the square root of -1/8, we will break it down step-by-step using imaginary numbers.

  1. First, recognize that the square root of a negative number involves the imaginary unit \(i\), where \(i = \sqrt{-1}\).
  2. Express \(\sqrt{-\frac{1}{8}}\) as \(\sqrt{-1} \cdot \sqrt{\frac{1}{8}}\).
  3. Substitute \(i\) for \(\sqrt{-1}\), giving us \(i \cdot \sqrt{\frac{1}{8}}\).
  4. Simplify \(\sqrt{\frac{1}{8}}\):
    • Rewrite \(\frac{1}{8}\) as \(\frac{1}{4 \cdot 2}\).
    • Use the property of square roots: \(\sqrt{\frac{1}{4 \cdot 2}} = \frac{\sqrt{1}}{\sqrt{4 \cdot 2}}\).
    • Simplify \(\frac{\sqrt{1}}{\sqrt{4 \cdot 2}}\) to \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{4} \cdot \sqrt{2}}\).
    • Since \(\sqrt{4} = 2\), this becomes \(\frac{1}{2\sqrt{2}}\).
    • Rationalize the denominator: \(\frac{1}{2\sqrt{2}} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2 \cdot 2} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{4}\).
  5. Combine the results: \(i \cdot \frac{\sqrt{2}}{4}\).
  6. The final simplified form is \(\frac{i\sqrt{2}}{4}\).

Therefore, the square root of \(-\frac{1}{8}\) simplifies to \(\frac{i\sqrt{2}}{4}\).

Final Simplified Form of Square Root of -1/8

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When working with the square root of negative numbers, especially when simplifying expressions like the square root of -1/8, there are several common mistakes to avoid. Understanding these mistakes will help you correctly handle such problems and ensure accurate results.

  • Ignoring the Imaginary Unit:

    One of the most common mistakes is neglecting the imaginary unit \(i\). The square root of a negative number involves \(i\), where \(i = \sqrt{-1}\). For example, \(\sqrt{-1/8}\) should be expressed as \(\frac{i}{2\sqrt{2}}\).

  • Incorrect Simplification:

    Some students attempt to simplify \(\sqrt{-1/8}\) without properly handling the negative sign. It is crucial to first factor out the negative as \(i\). The correct simplification steps are:

    1. Separate the negative part: \(\sqrt{-1/8} = \sqrt{-1} \cdot \sqrt{1/8}\)
    2. Simplify using \(i\): \(\sqrt{-1} = i\), thus \(\sqrt{-1/8} = i \cdot \sqrt{1/8}\)
    3. Further simplify \(\sqrt{1/8}\) as \(\frac{1}{2\sqrt{2}}\)
    4. Combine to get the final form: \(\sqrt{-1/8} = \frac{i}{2\sqrt{2}}\)
  • Incorrect Handling of Radicals:

    Another mistake is improperly combining or simplifying radicals. Remember that \(\sqrt{a/b} = \frac{\sqrt{a}}{\sqrt{b}}\). For instance, in \(\sqrt{-1/8}\), split the radical into \(\sqrt{-1}\) and \(\sqrt{1/8}\).

  • Sign Errors:

    Students often forget that the square root of a squared term gives the absolute value. Thus, for any \(x\), \(\sqrt{x^2} = |x|\). This is particularly important when dealing with imaginary numbers to ensure proper handling of negative signs.

  • Overlooking Rationalization:

    Rationalizing the denominator is often overlooked. To simplify \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\), multiply the numerator and denominator by \(\sqrt{2}\) to get \(\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\). Therefore, \(\frac{i}{2\sqrt{2}}\) can be rationalized to \(\frac{i\sqrt{2}}{4}\).

By being aware of these common pitfalls and applying proper mathematical techniques, you can avoid mistakes and accurately simplify expressions involving the square root of negative numbers.

Practice Problems and Solutions

To help reinforce your understanding of the square root of negative numbers and the associated mathematical properties, here are some practice problems along with detailed solutions:

  1. Problem 1: Simplify \( \sqrt{-\frac{1}{8}} \)

    Solution:

    Step-by-step simplification:

    • Recognize that \( \sqrt{-\frac{1}{8}} = \sqrt{-1} \cdot \sqrt{\frac{1}{8}} \)
    • Use \( \sqrt{-1} = i \), so the expression becomes \( i \cdot \sqrt{\frac{1}{8}} \)
    • Simplify \( \sqrt{\frac{1}{8}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{8}} = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{2}} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{4} \)
    • Therefore, \( \sqrt{-\frac{1}{8}} = i \cdot \frac{\sqrt{2}}{4} = \frac{i\sqrt{2}}{4} \)
  2. Problem 2: Solve the equation \( x^2 = -\frac{1}{8} \)

    Solution:

    • Take the square root of both sides: \( x = \pm \sqrt{-\frac{1}{8}} \)
    • From Problem 1, \( \sqrt{-\frac{1}{8}} = \frac{i\sqrt{2}}{4} \)
    • Thus, \( x = \pm \frac{i\sqrt{2}}{4} \)
  3. Problem 3: Simplify \( \sqrt{-\frac{9}{16}} \)

    Solution:

    • Recognize that \( \sqrt{-\frac{9}{16}} = \sqrt{-1} \cdot \sqrt{\frac{9}{16}} \)
    • Use \( \sqrt{-1} = i \), so the expression becomes \( i \cdot \sqrt{\frac{9}{16}} \)
    • Simplify \( \sqrt{\frac{9}{16}} = \frac{\sqrt{9}}{\sqrt{16}} = \frac{3}{4} \)
    • Therefore, \( \sqrt{-\frac{9}{16}} = i \cdot \frac{3}{4} = \frac{3i}{4} \)
  4. Problem 4: Solve the equation \( 4x^2 + 25 = 0 \) using the square root method

    Solution:

    • First, isolate the squared term: \( 4x^2 = -25 \)
    • Divide by 4: \( x^2 = -\frac{25}{4} \)
    • Take the square root of both sides: \( x = \pm \sqrt{-\frac{25}{4}} \)
    • Simplify \( \sqrt{-\frac{25}{4}} = \sqrt{-1} \cdot \sqrt{\frac{25}{4}} = i \cdot \frac{5}{2} = \frac{5i}{2} \)
    • Thus, \( x = \pm \frac{5i}{2} \)
  5. Problem 5: Simplify \( \sqrt{-2} \cdot \sqrt{-8} \)

    Solution:

    • Use the property of square roots: \( \sqrt{-2} \cdot \sqrt{-8} = \sqrt{(-2) \cdot (-8)} \)
    • Simplify inside the square root: \( (-2) \cdot (-8) = 16 \)
    • Therefore, \( \sqrt{16} = 4 \)
    • Thus, \( \sqrt{-2} \cdot \sqrt{-8} = 4 \)

Further Reading and Resources

To gain a deeper understanding of the square root of negative numbers and imaginary numbers, explore the following resources:

  • Khan Academy - Simplifying Roots of Negative Numbers

    This video series provides a comprehensive guide on simplifying roots of negative numbers, explaining the principles and common pitfalls.

  • Mathematical Cat - The Square Root of a Negative Number

    This article delves into the concept of imaginary numbers and the square root of negative numbers, including detailed examples and explanations.

  • Stack Exchange - Complex Numbers

    For advanced readers, this discussion on Stack Exchange covers complex number theory and practical problem-solving techniques.

  • Wolfram MathWorld - Complex Numbers

    Explore detailed entries on complex numbers, including definitions, properties, and applications.

  • MIT OpenCourseWare - Introduction to Complex Numbers

    This free course material from MIT provides a thorough introduction to complex numbers, including lectures, notes, and problem sets.

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