Lecture 8 (College Algebra)

Using the identity √(x²) = |x|, what does √((−5)²) simplify to?

1. A.−5, since the square root undoes the square directly
2. B.5, because √((−5)²) = |−5| = 5
3. C.±5, since squares have two square roots
4. D.25, because the inside squares first