How do you solve sqrt(x+1)+2=4x+1+2=4 and check the solution?

1 Answer
Jun 23, 2017

x = 3

Explanation:

1. Subtract 2 from both sides to isolate the square root.

sqrt(x+1) + 2 - 2 = 4 - 2x+1+22=42
sqrt(x+1) = 2x+1=2

2. To get rid of the square root, square both sides.

(sqrt(x+1))^2 = 2^2(x+1)2=22
x + 1 = 4x+1=4

3. Subtract 1 from both sides to find x.

x + 1 - 1 = 4 - 1x+11=41
x = 3x=3

Now that we know that x = 3, check the solution by plugging its value back into the original equation.

sqrt(3 + 1) + 2 = 43+1+2=4
sqrt(4) + 2 = 44+2=4
2 + 2 = 42+2=4
4 = 44=4

The solution, x = 3, works!