Solve each equation in Exercises 41–60 by making an appropriate substitution. x - 13√x + 40 = 0
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- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
1. Equations & Inequalities
Choosing a Method to Solve Quadratics
Problem 13
Textbook Question
Solve each radical equation in Exercises 11–30. Check all proposed solutions. √(x + 3) = x - 3
Verified step by step guidance1
Start by isolating the radical expression, which is already isolated as \( \sqrt{\!x + 3} = x - 3 \).
Square both sides of the equation to eliminate the square root. This gives \( (\sqrt{\!x + 3})^2 = (x - 3)^2 \), which simplifies to \( x + 3 = (x - 3)^2 \).
Expand the right side using the formula \( (a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2 \). So, \( (x - 3)^2 = x^2 - 6x + 9 \). Substitute this back to get \( x + 3 = x^2 - 6x + 9 \).
Rearrange the equation to set it equal to zero: \( 0 = x^2 - 6x + 9 - x - 3 \), which simplifies to \( 0 = x^2 - 7x + 6 \).
Solve the quadratic equation \( x^2 - 7x + 6 = 0 \) by factoring, completing the square, or using the quadratic formula. After finding the solutions, check each one in the original equation to ensure they do not produce extraneous solutions.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Radical Equations
Radical equations involve variables inside a root, often a square root. To solve them, isolate the radical expression and then eliminate the root by raising both sides to the appropriate power, typically squaring for square roots.
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Extraneous Solutions
When solving radical equations by squaring both sides, new solutions may appear that do not satisfy the original equation. These are called extraneous solutions and must be checked by substituting back into the original equation.
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Domain Restrictions
The expression inside a square root must be non-negative for real solutions. This restriction limits the domain of the variable and must be considered before solving to avoid invalid solutions.
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