Question

Why isn't a square root of b-squared not b? Why isn't a square root of b-squared not b? @Mathematics

Answer 1

draw out the exact problem

Answer 2

Think about the sign of b

Answer 3

is it because it is negative?

Answer 4

Let's say b=-2. What is the square root of b-squared?

Answer 5

b?

Answer 6

or would it be negative?

Answer 7

No use -2 instead. What is the square root of -2 squared?

Answer 8

4?

Answer 9

No. If you square -2 you get 4. Then take the square root you get 2, right

Answer 10

correct.

Answer 11

So i get 2 instead of -2 which is what I started with. If you do this with any negative number you lose the negative sign. So you end up with the positive version of what you started with