Equations Containing Radicals

EQUATIONS CONTAINING VARIABLES UNDER ONE OR MORE RADICALS

Note:

In order to solve for x, you must isolate x.
In order to isolate x, you must remove it from under the radical.
If there is just one radical in the equation, isolate the radical.
Then raise both sides of the equation to a power equal to the index
of the radical.
With these types of equations, sometimes there are extraneous
solutions; therefore, you must check your answers.
If the index of the radical is even, many times there will be a
restriction on the values of x.

Problem 2.1d:

Since the index of the radical is odd, there is no restriction on the value of x.

Raise both sides of the equation to the power 5.

Add 7 to both sides of the equation

The answer is x=39

Check the solution by substituting 39 in the original equation for x.

If the left side of the equation equals the right side of the equation

after the substitution, you have found the correct answer.

If you would like to review the solution for Problem 2.1e, click on Solution

If you would like to go to the problem page, click on problem.

If you would like to go back to the equation table of contents, click on contents.

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Author:Nancy Marcus