Solve for x x^2+1=0

$x^{2} + 1 = 0$

Step 1

Subtract $1$ from both sides of the equation.

$x^{2} = - 1$

Step 2

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

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

Step 3

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

$x = \pm i$

Step 4

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.

$x = i, - i$