Math Problem Statement
= 2
Solution
Let's solve the equation:
Step 1: Isolate one of the square roots
To start, let's isolate one of the square roots. We can move to the other side of the equation:
Step 2: Square both sides
Now, we'll square both sides of the equation to eliminate the square root on the left-hand side:
This simplifies to:
Step 3: Simplify the equation
Now, simplify both sides:
Subtract from both sides:
Step 4: Isolate
Next, divide both sides of the equation by 4:
Simplifying:
Step 5: Square both sides again
Now square both sides again to eliminate the remaining square root:
This simplifies to:
Step 6: Solve the quadratic equation
Multiply both sides by 4 to eliminate the denominator:
Now rearrange the terms:
Factor the quadratic:
Step 7: Solve for
This gives two possible solutions:
Step 8: Check for extraneous solutions
We must check both solutions in the original equation because squaring both sides can introduce extraneous solutions.
For :
Substitute into the original equation:
So, is a valid solution.
For :
Substitute into the original equation:
So, is also a valid solution.
Final Answer:
The solutions to the equation are:
Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are a few related questions for you:
- How can we solve equations involving square roots when there are more than two terms?
- What is the effect of squaring both sides of an equation?
- How can we check for extraneous solutions in equations with square roots?
- What are the steps involved in solving a quadratic equation?
- How do you solve equations where the variable is inside a square root?
Tip: Always check for extraneous solutions after squaring both sides of an equation, as squaring can introduce solutions that do not satisfy the original equation.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Algebra
Square Roots
Equations
Formulas
\sqrt{a}^2 = a
(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2
Theorems
Squaring both sides of an equation
Isolating terms in equations
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-11