Evaluate the radical expression if it is a real number. Use a calculator to approximate irrational numbers to the nearest
hundredth. If the expression is not a real number, so state.
-
B) -256
C) -4
D) not a real number

Question

Evaluate the radical expression if it is a real number. Use a calculator to approximate irrational numbers to the nearest
hundredth. If the expression is not a real number, so state.
-
B) -256 
C) -4 
D) not a real number

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Taking the square root of a negative number results in a complex number, which means the expression is not a real number. Therefore, the only real number option is C, which is a simplified radical expression equal to –2. The expression is $\sqrt{-16}$. Since the square root of a negative number is not a real number, the answer is D.

Evaluate the Radical Expression If It Is a Real Number