Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
0. Review of Algebra
Radical Expressions
Problem 59f
Textbook Question
Solve: √x + √(x + 5) = 5
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
1
Isolate one of the square root terms. In this case, move \(\sqrt{x}\) to the right side of the equation: \(\sqrt{x + 5} = 5 - \sqrt{x}\).
Square both sides of the equation to eliminate the square root on the left side. This gives: \((\sqrt{x + 5})^2 = (5 - \sqrt{x})^2\).
Simplify both sides of the equation. The left side becomes \(x + 5\), and the right side needs to be expanded using the formula \((a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2\).
Set the simplified equation equal to zero by moving all terms to one side: \(x + 5 - (25 - 10\sqrt{x} + x) = 0\).
Simplify and solve the resulting quadratic equation in terms of \(\sqrt{x}\), and then square the result again if necessary to solve for \(x\).
Recommended similar problem, with video answer:
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
3mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Square Roots
Square roots are mathematical operations that determine a number which, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. In the equation √x + √(x + 5) = 5, understanding how to manipulate square roots is essential for isolating variables and simplifying the equation.
Recommended video:
Imaginary Roots with the Square Root Property
Isolating Variables
Isolating variables involves rearranging an equation to get a variable on one side by itself. This technique is crucial in solving equations, as it allows you to simplify the problem and find the value of the unknown variable, in this case, x.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Equations with Two Variables
Squaring Both Sides
Squaring both sides of an equation is a method used to eliminate square roots. By squaring the entire equation, you can transform it into a polynomial equation, making it easier to solve for the variable. However, this step must be done carefully to avoid introducing extraneous solutions.
Recommended video:
Linear Inequalities with Fractions & Variables on Both Sides
Related Videos
Related Practice