Question

How do you simplify `(-1)^(1/2)`?

Answer 1

`sqrt(-1) = +-i`

Explanation:

We have to use the imaginary unit `i`. This is defined as the roots of the polynomial

`x^2+1=0`

Giving `x = +-sqrt(-1)`.

We define `i^2=-1` so

`x=+-sqrt(i^2) = +-i`