Because x < 0 - X equal to X>0

So sq of xx must be x.
Is -x the answer?
thanks

We know that performing the root operation always leaves us with a non-negative result. So, we can quickly eliminate any negative answer.

Since x < 0, the answer can't be x.

Eliminate B and E.

So, we basically have:

root(x^2)

and, since the answer can't be x, it must be -x... choose A.

Here's the general rule:

if x is positive, then root(x^2) = x; and

if x is negative, then root(x^2) = -x.

This is the same rule for absolute values:

if x is positive, then |x| = x; and

if x is negative, then |x| = -x.

You are right Stuart Kovinsky
Thanks!!

I wanted to say that if -x the answer.
I will edit my original post.

Stuart Kovinsky wrote:We know that performing the root operation always leaves us with a non-negative result. So, we can quickly eliminate any negative answer.

Hi Stuart,
I didn't understand the quoted section. If we 'eliminate any negative answer' then we will eliminate the correct ans in first step .Can you please elaborate.

I didn't understand the quoted section. If we 'eliminate any negative answer' then we will eliminate the correct ans in first step .

Because x is negative, "-x" is positive.

-x = (-1)*(neg)

Thanks for clarifying..i got confused between negative ans and ans with negative sign.