How would you solve this equation:
1/2x^2=-32

Question

How would you solve this equation:
1/2x^2=-32

anonymous · Answer

You would say that:
$$\frac{1}{2x^2}=-32 \
   -\frac{1}{32}=2x^2 \
   -\frac{1}{64}=x^2 \
   x=\pm\sqrt{-\frac{1}{64}} \
   x=\pm\frac{i}{8}$$
The solutions are imaginary which is understandable.

anonymous · Answer

After all, $$\frac{1}{2x^2}=-32$$ can be rearranged to $$64x^2+1=0$$ which is a parabola with no real solutions

anonymous · Answer

Thank you so much for helping me! However, my math book says that the answer is x= positive/negative 8i ... is this the same as your answer? Also, can you kindly tell me the second step in solving the equation in words

anonymous · Answer

The light bulb turned on! I know how to solve the answer now, thank you so very much for your help!

anonymous · Answer

No, that cant be the answer because if we substitute the answer, it is not correct:

$$\frac{1}{2(\pm8i)^2}=-32 \
   \frac{1}{2(-64)}=-32 \
    -\frac{1}{128}=-32$$

Of Course since there is a inequality, $\pm8i$ cannot be a solution

anonymous · Answer

And no prob