Expert: Paul Klarreich - 10/29/2008

Question
find the complex zeros of f(x)=x squared+ 1

I am HOPELESS with math but am really trying, but with no luck.

Answer
Questioner:   Natasha
Category:  Advanced Math
Private:  No
 
Subject:  Complex zeros
Question:  find the complex zeros of f(x)=x squared+ 1

I am HOPELESS with math but am really trying, but with no luck.
........................................
Hi, Natasha,

Be hopeful.  And, if you are not also hopeless with the English language, you can become less hopeless (I probably need some help, too, to write something like that) by paying attention to the vocabulary.  
Make sure you know exactly what all the vocabulary words mean.  
Make sure you always use the vocabulary words correctly.


If you know what they mean, you may be able to figure out what the problem says.

Vocabulary:  A ZERO of a FUNCTION f(x) is a ROOT of the EQUATION  f(x) = 0.

So set  x^2 + 1 = 0 and solve:

x^2 = - 1

x = +- sqrt(-1) = +- i, the imaginary unit.

Done.