Solve x2 = 144

Select one:

a. 72

b. 12

c. ±12

d. - 12

So I chose B which I thought was correct but it was wrong

B is wrong due to that (-12) ²=144 too. If it were to say the square root, 12 would be correct due to that only positive numbers can be square roots. However, since it's x²=144, we have to give the square root a + - because it can be negative too. Our answer is C

The answer would be C. ±12 Your original answer is only half right. Both possible answers to the equation is 12 and - 12, making your answer ±12 meaning either positive 12 or negative 12.