SOLUTION: Is the square root of -4 a rational or irrational number? If neither wat is it?

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Question 261202: Is the square root of -4 a rational or irrational number? If neither wat is it?
Answer by jsmallt9(3758) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
  • Rational and Irrational numbers are subsets of the Real Numbers.
  • The square of all Real numbers is either zero or positive. IOW, squares of Real numbers are never negative.
  • sqrt%28-4%29 represents the number you square to get -4 as a result.
  • So sqrt%28-4%29 is not a Real number. It is neither Rational or Irrational (which are types of Real numbers).
  • The set of numbers whose squares are negative is the set of Imaginary numbers.
  • So sqrt%28-4%29 is an Imaginary number.