How Do You Distribute a Negative Sign When Squaring in Algebra?

[Drakkith]

Homework Statement

$\sqrt{-3y-8}$ = $-\sqrt{y+4}+2$

I need to square both sides in order to solve for Y.
But, how do I distribute the negative sign on the right side? Would it be similar to (-x+2)² or -(x+2)²?

 

[vela]

If it's less confusing for you, you could write the righthand side as $2-\sqrt{y+4}$.

 

[Drakkith]

If it's less confusing for you, you could write the righthand side as $2-\sqrt{y+4}$.

Oh, well that makes perfect sense now. Thanks!

 

[HallsofIvy]

To answer the question asked, squaring $-\sqrt{y+ 4}+ 2$ is $(-\sqrt{y+ 4}+ 2)^2= y+ 4- 4\sqrt{y+ 4}+ 4$.