We're being taught about absolute value in maths, and we're told that |x| is the same as √(x²), because √(x²) always gives a positive number. But doesn't √(x²) = ±x, since the expression would have the same value regardless of x's sign?
E.g. √(2²) = 2 or -2, because 2*2=2² and (-2)*(-2)=2², but |2| = 2, not ±2
I guess it makes sense if you do (2²)1/2 = 21, but can you just do this and ignore the possible negative value?