How do you solve 3+36p^2=1033+36p2=103?

2 Answers
Dwight
Feb 19, 2017

Collect like terms and move the numbers until the equation reads p^2=... Then, take the square root of both sides of the equation.

Explanation:

Here it is:

36p^2 = 103 -3 (we subtract 3 from each side)

36p^2=100

Next, divide each side by 36

p^2=100/36

(Resist the temptation to convert to decimals at this stage. It is actually easier with fractions!)

Square root:

p=sqrt(100/36) = (sqrt100)/(sqrt36) = +-10/6 = +-5/3

So, we have two answers (as expected!)

5/3 and -5/3

smendyka
Feb 19, 2017

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, subtract color(red)(3) from each side of the equation to isolate the p^2 term while keeping the equation balanced:

-color(red)(3) + 3 + 36p^2 = -color(red)(3) + 103

0 + 36p^2 = 100

36p^2 = 100

Next, divide each side of the equation by color(red)(36) to isolate p^2 while keeping the equation balanced:

(36p^2)/color(red)(36) = 100/color(red)(36)

p^2 = 100/36

Now, take the square root of each side of the equation to solve for p while keeping the equation balanced. Remember, when taking the square root of a number there is a negative and positive result:

sqrt(p^2) = +-sqrt(100/36)

p = +-sqrt(100)/sqrt(36)

p = +-10/6

p = +-5/3

Related questions
See all questions in Use Square Roots to Solve Quadratic Equations
Impact of this question
1726 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License