Is this notation correct? $\sqrt {-25}=±5i$

I know that, It is correct $$\sqrt {-25}=5i$$

I know that, It is wrong $$\sqrt {-25}=-5i$$

Now, Is this notation correct?

$$\sqrt {-25}=±5i?$$

• Assuming you know that $\sqrt{-1} = i$, you have $\sqrt{-25} = \sqrt{-1 \cdot 5^2} = |5| \sqrt{-1} = 5 \cdot i$... – Lærne Feb 21 '18 at 12:27
• Yes, $\sqrt{-1} = \pm \, i$ – Narasimham Feb 21 '18 at 13:40

If $z \ne 0$ is a complex number, then there are exactely two distinct numbers $w_1,w_2$ such that

$w_1^2=z=w_2^2$ (the square-roots of $z$).

If $z=-25$, then $w_1=5i$ and $w_2=-5i$. Sometimes this is written in the form $\sqrt {-25}=±5i$.

• And $\sqrt {25}=±5$?? – Learner Feb 21 '18 at 12:37
• If you work in $\mathbb R$, then $\sqrt {25}=5$. If you work in $\mathbb C$, then $\sqrt {25}=\pm 5$. – Fred Feb 21 '18 at 12:40
• Based on the asker's question, I do not think he/she needs to have the knowledge about that. – user532449 Feb 21 '18 at 12:44
• I understood..Thank you.I think, You say that Both are "correct". – Learner Feb 21 '18 at 12:44

$\sqrt{-25} = 5i$ is wrong, as is $\sqrt{-25} = -5i$ and $\sqrt{-25} = \pm 5i$. In my opinion, square root symbols do not belong anywhere near numbers apart from non-negative reals, at the very least until you are very familiar with complex arithmetic. They introduce mistakes and misconceptions, and do not really help anything other than marginally shorten some notation. This includes writing $i = \sqrt{-1}$.

What you can say is $(5i)^2 = -25$, or $(-5i)^2 = -25$, or maybe even $(\pm 5i)^2 = -25$. You can also say that the two square roots of $-25$ are $\pm 5i$ (if that is what you automatically think every time you see $\sqrt{-25}$, then you are probably ready to use square root symbols if you really want to).

The defining property of $i$ is written as $i^2 = -1$ instead of the version in the first paragraph. This is how $i$ is formally defined once you get into abstract algebra an field extensions, and it fits perfectly into the algebra students have known for years before they get to complex numbers for the first time, so why it's not the standard approach when we introduce complex numbers is beyond me.

$\sqrt{-25}=\sqrt{25}\sqrt{-1}=+5i$

Note: You are generally taking the principal root in this case. In this case, this would be the positive complex root, $5i$.

However, in the equation $$x^2+25=0$$ $$(x+5i)(x-5i)=0$$

The zeros are $\pm5i$.

• "positive root" ?? Is $5i$ positive ???? – Fred Feb 21 '18 at 12:31
• In $\mathbb C$ each number $\ne 0$ has two square-roots ! – Fred Feb 21 '18 at 12:32
• @Fred so you are saying $\sqrt{z}$ is not a function – Henry Feb 21 '18 at 12:36
• @Fred Would I say positive complex? – user532449 Feb 21 '18 at 12:36
• @Henry: yes, $\sqrt{z}$ is not a function. – Fred Feb 21 '18 at 12:43

Not everything in mathematics has a universally accepted definition. To some people, $\sqrt{-25}$ is defined to be $5i$. To others, not even $\sqrt{-1}$ is defined. Instead $i$ is defined to be a choice for one of the two complex numbers such that $i^2=-1$.

• This is the better answer, people start fighting over roots of equation $z^2=-1$ not addressing the notation $\sqrt{.}$ which may be defined as whatever we wish. – King Tut Feb 21 '18 at 14:00
• It's better not to use this symbol of square root altogether. – King Tut Feb 21 '18 at 14:04