In Exercises 101–106, solve each equation.
Table of contents
- 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
The Quadratic Formula
Problem 27
Textbook Question
Solve each radical equation in Exercises 11–30. Check all proposed solutions. √(2x + 3) + √(x - 2) = 2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the equation: \(\sqrt{2x + 3} + \sqrt{x - 2} = 2\). Our goal is to solve for \(x\).
Isolate one of the square root terms. For example, subtract \(\sqrt{x - 2}\) from both sides to get: \(\sqrt{2x + 3} = 2 - \sqrt{x - 2}\).
Square both sides of the equation to eliminate the square root on the left. This gives: \(\left(\sqrt{2x + 3}\right)^2 = \left(2 - \sqrt{x - 2}\right)^2\).
Simplify both sides: the left side becomes \$2x + 3\(, and the right side expands using the formula \)(a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2\( to \)4 - 4\sqrt{x - 2} + (x - 2)$.
Rearrange the equation to isolate the remaining square root term, then square both sides again to eliminate it. After that, solve the resulting polynomial equation for \(x\). Finally, check all proposed solutions in the original equation to discard any extraneous roots.
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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 within a root, typically a square root. Solving them requires isolating the radical expression and then eliminating the root by raising both sides of the equation to the appropriate power, often squaring. This process can introduce extraneous solutions, so checking all proposed solutions is essential.
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Expanding Radicals
Domain Restrictions
The domain of a radical equation is limited by the requirement that the expression inside the square root must be non-negative. For example, in √(2x + 3), the expression 2x + 3 must be ≥ 0. Identifying these restrictions helps determine valid solutions and avoid invalid or extraneous answers.
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Checking Solutions
After solving a radical equation, substituting the solutions back into the original equation is crucial to verify their validity. Squaring both sides can introduce extraneous solutions that do not satisfy the original equation. Checking ensures only true solutions are accepted.
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