Question

solve for u.
u² = 16
u = \boxed{} or \boxed{}

Explanation:

Step1: Take square root of both sides

To solve \( u^2 = 16 \), we take the square root of both sides. Remember that when we take the square root of a number, we consider both the positive and negative roots because \( (\pm a)^2=a^2 \). So we have \( u=\pm\sqrt{16} \).

Step2: Calculate the square root

We know that \( \sqrt{16} = 4 \), so \( \pm\sqrt{16}=\pm 4 \). This means \( u = 4 \) or \( u=-4 \).

Answer:

\( u = 4 \) or \( u = -4 \)