Question

given $2x^2 = -8$, $x$ is
-2
2
$2i$ or $-2i$
$4i$ or $-4i$

Explanation:

Step1: Isolate $x^2$ term

Divide both sides by 2:
$\frac{2x^2}{2} = \frac{-8}{2}$
$x^2 = -4$

Step2: Solve for $x$

Take square root of both sides, using $i=\sqrt{-1}$:
$x = \pm\sqrt{-4} = \pm\sqrt{4 \times -1} = \pm 2i$

Answer:

2i or -2i