Evaluate x^2=-1

$x^{2} = - 1$

Step 1

Take the square root of both sides of the equation to eliminate the exponent on the left side.

$x = \pm \sqrt{- 1}$

Step 2

Rewrite $\sqrt{- 1}$ as $i$ .

$x = \pm i$

Step 3

The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.

First, use the positive value of the $\pm$ to find the first solution.

$x = i$

Next, use the negative value of the $\pm$ to find the second solution.

$x = - i$

The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.

$x = i, - i$