Is the sqrt( -1) = i , or plus-minus i

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Unassuming
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When I am solving an equation and I take the sqrt of both sides, one of which is -1.

Do I put i, or plusminus i ?
 
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It's just [itex]i[/itex] (although engineers use [itex]j[/itex] just to be obstinate)
 
sqrt(-1) is i but the solution to x2 = 1 is +1 /-1