Start by making a substitution to simplify the equation. Let \(y = (2x - 1)^{1/3}\), which means \(y^2 = (2x - 1)^{2/3}\).
Rewrite the original equation in terms of \(y\): \(y^2 + 2y - 3 = 0\).
Recognize that this is a quadratic equation in \(y\). Use factoring or the quadratic formula to solve for \(y\).
After finding the values of \(y\), substitute back to get \((2x - 1)^{1/3} = y\). Then, cube both sides to solve for \$2x - 1$.
Finally, solve the resulting linear equations for \(x\) by isolating \(x\) on one side.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
6m
Play a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Rational Exponents
Rational exponents represent roots and powers simultaneously, where an exponent like m/n means the nth root raised to the mth power. For example, x^(2/3) means the cube root of x squared. Understanding how to manipulate these exponents is essential for simplifying and solving equations involving fractional powers.
The substitution method involves replacing a complex expression with a single variable to simplify the equation. In this problem, letting y = (2x - 1)^(1/3) transforms the equation into a quadratic form, making it easier to solve. After solving for y, substitute back to find x.
Quadratic equations are polynomial equations of degree two and can be solved by factoring, completing the square, or using the quadratic formula. Once the substitution reduces the original equation to a quadratic in y, these methods help find the values of y, which then lead to the solutions for x.