Is −1 a perfect square? We know that i^2=−1. Does that mean −1 is a perfect square because i is not an irrational or decimal number?

Dexter Austin

Dexter Austin

Answered question

2022-12-17

Is −1 a perfect square?
We know that i 2 = 1. Does that mean −1 is a perfect square because i is not an irrational or decimal number?

Answer & Explanation

Virginia Haynes

Virginia Haynes

Beginner2022-12-18Added 3 answers

A perfect square is usually a square of an integer, unless specified otherwise. Therefore, -1 is not a perfect square.
A perfect square in mathematics is defined as a number that can be expressed as the product of two equal integers. In other words, a perfect square is simply an integer that is the result of multiplying another integer by itself. For example, the number 9 is a perfect square because it can be expressed as 3 times 3. The number 16 is also a perfect square, because it can be expressed as 4 times 4.
This is similar to how "irrational number" refers to a real number that is not rational, not just any mathematical entity that is not a rational number.

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