Square Root of -12
2026-02-28 12:06 Diff
https://brightchamps.com/en-us/math/algebra/square-root-of-minus-12

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Last updated on December 15, 2025

If a number is multiplied by the same number, the result is a square. The inverse of the square is a square root. The square root concept extends into complex numbers when dealing with negative numbers. Here, we will discuss the square root of -12.

What is the Square Root of -12?

The square root is the inverse of the square of the number.

Since -12 is a negative number, its square root is not a real number. Instead, it is expressed in terms of imaginary numbers.

The square root of -12 can be expressed as √(-12) = √(12) × √(-1) = 2√3i, where 'i' is the imaginary unit, defined as √(-1).

Finding the Square Root of -12

To find the square root of -12, we need to use complex numbers.

The square root of -12 can be expressed in terms of its real and imaginary components.

Here, we will explore the method to derive the square root of -12:

1. Identify the real square root of the positive component, 12.

2. Multiply the result by the imaginary unit 'i' to account for the negative sign.

Square Root of -12 by Prime Factorization Method

The prime factorization method is used to simplify the positive part of the number before introducing the imaginary unit.

Let's explore how this works with -12:

Step 1: Factorize the positive component, 12, into its prime factors. Breaking it down, we get 2 × 2 × 3 = 2² × 3.

Step 2: Express the square root of 12. √12 = √(2² × 3) = 2√3.

Step 3: Introduce the imaginary unit for the negative sign. √(-12) = √12 × √(-1) = 2√3 × i = 2√3i.

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Square Root of -12 by Long Division Method

The long division method is typically used for non-perfect square real numbers, but when dealing with negative numbers, we need to use complex number operations.

Therefore, the long division method is not applicable directly for negative numbers like -12.

Instead, we use the concept of imaginary numbers as previously discussed.

Square Root of -12 by Approximation Method

While the approximation method is used for real numbers, for complex numbers such as the square root of -12, we rely on the direct calculation involving imaginary numbers.

The approximation method is not applicable here since the result involves 'i', the imaginary unit.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in the Square Root of -12

Students often make mistakes when dealing with square roots of negative numbers.

Let us look at a few common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Problem 1

What is the square root of -12 expressed in terms of 'i'?

Okay, lets begin

The square root of -12 is 2√3i.

Explanation

Since -12 is a negative number, its square root involves the imaginary unit 'i'.

Simplifying the positive part, we get √12 = 2√3, and including 'i', we have √(-12) = 2√3i.

Well explained 👍

Problem 2

If 2√3i is the square root of -12, what is its square?

Okay, lets begin

-12

Explanation

To find the square, multiply 2√3i by itself:

(2√3i)² = (2√3)² × i²

= 12 × (-1)

= -12.

Well explained 👍

Problem 3

Express the square root of -12 in terms of the real and imaginary parts.

Okay, lets begin

Real part: 0, Imaginary part: 2√3

Explanation

The square root of -12 is completely imaginary, so the real part is 0 and the imaginary part is 2√3.

Well explained 👍

Problem 4

How does the square root of -12 relate to the square root of 12?

Okay, lets begin

The square root of -12 is the square root of 12 multiplied by 'i'.

Explanation

The square root of -12 can be expressed as √12 × √(-1)

= √12 × i

= 2√3i.

Well explained 👍

Problem 5

Is the square root of -12 a real number?

Okay, lets begin

No, it is a complex number.

Explanation

The square root of a negative number involves the imaginary unit 'i', which makes it a complex number, not a real number.

Well explained 👍

FAQ on Square Root of -12

1.What is √(-12) in terms of 'i'?

The square root of -12 in terms of 'i' is 2√3i.

2.Can the square root of -12 be a real number?

No, the square root of -12 is not a real number; it is a complex number involving 'i'.

3.Why does √(-12) involve 'i'?

The square root of a negative number involves 'i' because 'i' is defined as √(-1), which allows us to express square roots of negative numbers.

4.What is the principal square root of -12?

The principal square root of -12 is 2√3i, focusing on the positive imaginary component.

5.Is the square of 2√3i equal to -12?

Yes, the square of 2√3i equals -12.

Important Glossaries for the Square Root of -12

  • Square root: The square root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. For negative numbers, it involves imaginary numbers.
  • Imaginary unit 'i': 'i' is defined as the square root of -1 and is used to express square roots of negative numbers.
  • Complex number: A complex number comprises a real part and an imaginary part, typically expressed as a + bi.
  • Prime factorization: Breaking down a number into its basic prime factors. For example, the prime factorization of 12 is 2² × 3.
  • Principal square root: In the context of complex numbers, it refers to the positive imaginary component of a negative number's square root.

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Jaskaran Singh Saluja

About the Author

Jaskaran Singh Saluja is a math wizard with nearly three years of experience as a math teacher. His expertise is in algebra, so he can make algebra classes interesting by turning tricky equations into simple puzzles.

Fun Fact

: He loves to play the quiz with kids through algebra to make kids love it.