simplify negative square root of 189

Question

anonymous · Answer

complex numbers  wud help u

anonymous · Answer

First, I would factor 189. See if you can find a perfect square factor.

anonymous · Answer

do u know what is square root of -1

anonymous · Answer

no?

anonymous · Answer

@nancydiaz14 Have you learned about imaginary numbers yet?

anonymous · Answer

there is a concept of i for root -1 hv u heard of it

anonymous · Answer

no we barely started learning about square roots.

anonymous · Answer

I think I am supposed to find the factor of 189

anonymous · Answer

I would think that simplify means to factor out any perfect squares. For example:
$\sqrt{12} = 2\sqrt{3}$ because 12 factors to 4 and 3. $\sqrt{4} = 2$.

anonymous · Answer

so could I factor it with 9 * 21 and then get -3 times the square root of 21?

anonymous · Answer

That's where I'm not sure of. Not having been in your class, I can't be sure what your teacher is asking for. $\sqrt{189} = \pm 3\sqrt{21}$. I think you are correct with the -3.