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

Question

1963 views around the world

You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License

Answer 1 · 2017-11-07T13:48:40

See a solution process below:

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)#