Let, (a + ib)2 = 1 + 4i
Now using, (a + b)2 = a2 + b2 + 2ab
a2 + (bi)2 + 2abi = 1 + 4
i
Since i2 = -1
a2 - b2 + 2abi = 1 + 4
i
Now, separating real and complex parts, we get
a2 - b2 = 1…………..eq.1
2ab =4
…….eq.2
a =
Now, using the value of a in eq.1, we get
– b2 = 1
12 – b4 = b2
b4 + b2 - 12= 0
Simplify and get the value of b2 , we get,
b2 = -4 or b2 = 3
as b is real no. so, b2 = 3
b= or b=
Therefore, a= 2 or a= -2
Hence the square root of the complex no. is 2 + i and -2 -
i.