Note:
First make a note of the fact that you cannot take the square root of a negative number. Therefore,the term is valid only if and the term is valid if We can meet both restrictions by requiring .
Isolate the term.
Square both sides of the equation.
Isolate the term.
Square both sides of the equation and simplify.
Set the equation equal to zero.
Solve using the quadratic formula.
Check the solution by substituting 190 in the original
equation for x. If the left side of the equation equals the right side
of the equation after the substitution, you have found the correct
answer.
Check the solution by substituting 30 in the original
equation for x. If the left side of the equation equals the right side
of the equation after the substitution, you have found the correct
answer.
You can also check the answer by graphing the equation:
The graph represents the right side of the original equation minus the left side of the original equation.. The x-intercept(s) of this graph is(are) the solution(s). Since the x-intercepts are 30 and 190, we have verified the solution.
If you would like to test yourself by working some problems similar to this example, click on Problem.
If you would like to go back to the equation table of contents, click on Contents.
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Author:Nancy Marcus