Chapter 1: Problem 21
Write each number as the product of a real number and i. $$\sqrt{-288}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
12i \sqrt{2}
Step by step solution
01
Identify the imaginary unit
Recognize that \( \sqrt{-288} \) contains a negative number under the square root, which indicates the presence of the imaginary unit \(i\). Recall that \(i = \sqrt{-1}\).
02
Factor the negative sign out of the square root
Rewrite \( \sqrt{-288} \) as \( \sqrt{-1 \cdot 288} \). By the properties of square roots, this can be separated into \( \sqrt{-1} \cdot \sqrt{288}\).
03
Simplify using the imaginary unit
Since \( \sqrt{-1} = i \), we can rewrite the expression as \( i \cdot \sqrt{288}\).
04
Simplify the square root of the positive number
Find the square root of 288. Rewrite 288 as the product of its factors: \( 288 = 144 \cdot 2 \). Since \( \sqrt{144} = 12\), we have \( \sqrt{288} = \sqrt{144 \cdot 2} = 12 \cdot \sqrt{2}\).
05
Combine all parts
Combine the simplified results: \( i \cdot \sqrt{288} = i \cdot (12 \cdot \sqrt{2}) = 12i \sqrt{2}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
imaginary unit
When dealing with the square root of a negative number, we enter the realm of complex numbers, specifically the imaginary unit. In mathematics, the imaginary unit is denoted by the symbol \( i \), defined as \( i = \sqrt{-1} \). This concept is crucial for simplifying expressions that involve square roots of negative numbers.
- For example, \(\sqrt{-4} \) can be rewritten as \( \sqrt{4 \times -1} \), which is \( 2i \) because \( \sqrt{4} = 2 \) and \( \sqrt{-1} = i \).
- This applies generally, such that any \(\sqrt{negative} \) can be expressed in terms of \( i \).
square root
The square root function is a fundamental mathematical operation. It involves finding a number which, when multiplied by itself (squared), gives the original number. For instance, the square root of 9 is 3, because \( 3 \times 3 = 9 \).
- When the square root is applied to a negative number, it incorporates the imaginary unit \( i \).
- In the case of \(\sqrt{-288} \), the process first splits the negative part: \( \sqrt{288 \times -1} \).
simplification
Simplification is the process of reducing an expression or equation to its simplest form. When simplifying \( \sqrt{-288} \), follow these steps:
- First, factor out the negative unit as described: \( \sqrt{-288} = \sqrt{288 \times -1} \).
- Then, use the property \( \sqrt{ab} = \sqrt{a} \sqrt{b} \). This gives us \( \sqrt{288} \sqrt{-1} \).
- Next, since \( \sqrt{-1} = i \), we get \( i \sqrt{288} \).
- Finally, break down \( \sqrt{288} \). By factoring 288 into 144 and 2, we can find \( \sqrt{144 \times 2} = 12 \sqrt{2} \).