Math Problem Statement

Solve the equation √(x - 8) + √x = 2.

Solution

The equation provided in the image is:

x8+x=2\sqrt{x - 8} + \sqrt{x} = 2

Let's solve this step by step.

Step 1: Isolate one square root term

We'll isolate one of the square root terms on one side of the equation. Let's move x\sqrt{x} to the other side:

x8=2x\sqrt{x - 8} = 2 - \sqrt{x}

Step 2: Square both sides

To eliminate the square root, square both sides of the equation:

(x8)2=(2x)2(\sqrt{x - 8})^2 = (2 - \sqrt{x})^2

This simplifies to:

x8=(2x)2x - 8 = (2 - \sqrt{x})^2

Now expand the right-hand side:

x8=44x+xx - 8 = 4 - 4\sqrt{x} + x

Step 3: Simplify the equation

Cancel out the xx terms on both sides:

8=44x-8 = 4 - 4\sqrt{x}

Now subtract 4 from both sides:

12=4x-12 = -4\sqrt{x}

Step 4: Solve for x\sqrt{x}

Divide both sides by 4-4:

x=3\sqrt{x} = 3

Step 5: Solve for xx

Now square both sides to get rid of the square root:

x=9x = 9

Step 6: Check the solution

Substitute x=9x = 9 back into the original equation:

98+9=2\sqrt{9 - 8} + \sqrt{9} = 2

This simplifies to:

1+9=2\sqrt{1} + \sqrt{9} = 2

1+3=21 + 3 = 2

Clearly, this does not hold true. Hence, there is no valid solution to this equation.

Would you like further details or explanations?


Here are five related questions for further practice:

  1. How would you solve x5+x=3\sqrt{x - 5} + \sqrt{x} = 3?
  2. What are the steps to solving an equation involving multiple square roots?
  3. Can a square root equation have no solution? If so, why?
  4. What happens if you square both sides of an equation and introduce extraneous solutions?
  5. How do you check if a solution is valid after solving a square root equation?

Tip: Always check your solutions when dealing with square root equations, as squaring both sides may introduce extraneous solutions.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Square Root Equations

Formulas

√(x - 8) + √x = 2
Squaring both sides of an equation to eliminate square roots

Theorems

Properties of Square Roots
Extraneous Solutions in Square Root Equations

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11