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Ch. 1 - Equations and Inequalities
Lial - College Algebra 13th Edition
Lial13th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136881063Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 2, Problem 64

Solve each equation. √(3√(2x+3)) = √(5x-6)

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1
Start by writing down the given equation: \(\sqrt{3\sqrt{2x+3}} = \sqrt{5x - 6}\).
Since both sides are square roots, square both sides of the equation to eliminate the outer square roots: \(\left(\sqrt{3\sqrt{2x+3}}\right)^2 = \left(\sqrt{5x - 6}\right)^2\).
Simplify both sides after squaring: \(3\sqrt{2x+3} = 5x - 6\).
Isolate the remaining square root term: \(\sqrt{2x+3} = \frac{5x - 6}{3}\).
Square both sides again to remove the square root: \(\left(\sqrt{2x+3}\right)^2 = \left(\frac{5x - 6}{3}\right)^2\), which simplifies to \(2x + 3 = \frac{(5x - 6)^2}{9}\).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Properties of Square Roots

Understanding how to manipulate square roots is essential, including the fact that √a = √b implies a = b when both sides are nonnegative. This allows us to set the expressions inside the square roots equal to each other to solve the equation.
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Imaginary Roots with the Square Root Property

Nested Radicals

The equation involves a nested radical, √(3√(2x+3)), which requires careful simplification. Recognizing how to simplify or rewrite nested square roots helps in isolating the variable and solving the equation.
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Expanding Radicals

Solving Radical Equations and Checking for Extraneous Solutions

When solving equations involving radicals, squaring both sides can introduce extraneous solutions. It is important to check all solutions in the original equation to ensure they are valid and satisfy domain restrictions.
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Solving Logarithmic Equations