Example

Solving q2+24=0q^2 + 24 = 0 Using the Square Root Property

Solve q2+24=0q^2 + 24 = 0 by applying the Square Root Property. This equation demonstrates the outcome when isolating the quadratic term produces a negative constant on the other side.

Step 1 — Isolate the quadratic term. Subtract 2424 from both sides:

q2=24q^2 = -24

Step 2 — Apply the Square Root Property:

q=±24q = \pm\sqrt{-24}

Since 24\sqrt{-24} is not a real number — no real number squared can yield a negative result — the equation has no real solution.

The Square Root Property requires k0k \geq 0 in x2=kx^2 = k. When isolating the quadratic term produces a negative value for kk (here, 24-24), the square root of that negative number does not exist among the real numbers, and the solving process terminates immediately with no real solution.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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