Square root of a negative number squared √x^2=|x|,
What about √-x^2 ?
If we use the number $5$ as en example,
would this evaluate to √-5^2 = √25 =5
OR do we need to get the imaginary number 'i' involved, resulting in √-5^2 = 5i
I have found many conflicting answers
Any clarification on the topic would be much appreciated
Kind Regards

In real numbers, the square root of a negative is not defined.
$$\color{red}{\sqrt{-25}}.$$
In complex numbers, the square root of a negative can indeed be defined as $i$ times the square root of the absolute value.
$$\sqrt{-25}=5i.$$
But you need to understand the concept of principal branch, as $-5i$ could also be an acceptable answer.
