How do you solve 13p^2-3=420913p23=4209?

1 Answer
Mar 11, 2017

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, add color(red)(3)3 to each side of the equation to isolate the pp term while keeping the equation balanced:

13p^2 - 3 + color(red)(3) = 4209 + color(red)(3)13p23+3=4209+3

13p^2 - 0 = 421213p20=4212

13p^2 = 421213p2=4212

Now, divide each side of the equation by color(red)(13)13 to isolate p^2p2 while keeping the equation balanced:

(13p^2)/color(red)(13) = 4212/color(red)(13)13p213=421213

(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(13)))p^2)/cancel(color(red)(13)) = 324

p^2 = 324

Now, take the square root of each side of the equation to solve for p. Remember, the square root of a number produces a negative and positive result:

sqrt(p^2) = +-sqrt(324)

p = +-18