How do you solve the equation x^2-3=a?

1 Answer
Nov 7, 2017

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

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

x^2 - 3 + color(red)(3) = a + color(red)(3)

x^2 - 0 = a + 3

x^2 = a + 3

Now, take the square root of each side of the equation to solve for x while keeping the equation balanced:

sqrt(x^2) = +-sqrt(a + 3)

x = +-sqrt(a + 3)