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 2.2b:
Answer: 32.666667.
Solution:
- Add 9 to both sides of the equation so that the radical term is isolated.
- Square both sides of the equation.
3x+2=100
- Subtract 2 from both sides of the equation.
3x=98
- The answer is 32.666667.
- Check the solution by substituting