document.write( "Question 217924: There is a plus sign over a minus sign in front of the square root symbol - I do not remember this sign, what does it mean? The problems go from simple - plus/minus square root of 25 to asking when to use the symbol. Thank you. \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #164196 by RAY100(1637) $\"\"$ $\"About$

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think convention
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\n" ); document.write( "It is mathematically correct that sqrt 25 = +5 and/ or -5,,,,,(5)^2 =(-5)^2 =25
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\n" ); document.write( "current convention is as follows:
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\n" ); document.write( "sqrt 25 = 5
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\n" ); document.write( "+sqrt 25 = +5
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\n" ); document.write( "-sqrt25 = -5
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\n" ); document.write( "+/- sqrt 25 = +/- 5,,,,,that is +5 and /or -5
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\n" ); document.write( "Teachers have to define just what they want
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