How do you solve x^2-2=17?

1 Answer
smendyka
Feb 17, 2017

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, add color(red)(2) to each side of the equation to isolate x^2 while keeping the equation balanced:

x^2 - 2 + color(red)(2) = 17 + color(red)(2)

x^2 - 0 = 19

x^2 = 19

Now, take the square root of each side of the equation to solve for x while keeping the equation balanced. Also remember, the square root of a number has both a negative and positive answer:

sqrt(x^2) = +-sqrt(19)

x = +-sqrt(19) = +-4.359 rounded to the nearest thousandth.

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