Algebra: A Combined Approach (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321726391
ISBN 13: 978-0-32172-639-1

Chapter 10 - Section 10.6 - Radical Equations and Problem Solving - Exercise Set - Page 729: 40

Answer

$x=6$

Work Step by Step

$\bf{\text{Solution Outline:}}$ To solve the given equation, $ x-\sqrt{x-2}=4 ,$ isolate first the radical expression. Then raise both sides to the exponent equal to the index of the radical. Use concepts of quadratic equations to solve for the values of the variable. Finally, do checking of the solution/s with the original equation. $\bf{\text{Solution Details:}}$ Using the properties of equality, the given equation is equivalent to \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} x-4=\sqrt{x-2} .\end{array} Get rid of the radical symbol by raising both sides of the equation above to the exponent equal to $ 2 $ (the same index as the radical). This results to \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} (x-4)^2=(\sqrt{x-2})^2 \\\\ (x-4)^2=x-2 .\end{array} Using the square of a binomial which is given by $(a+b)^2=a^2+2ab+b^2$ or by $(a-b)^2=a^2-2ab+b^2,$ the equation above is equivalent to \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} (x)^2-2(x)(4)+(4)^2=x-2 \\\\ x^2-8x+16=x-2 .\end{array} In the form $ax^2+bx+c=0,$ the equation above is equivalent to \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} x^2+(-8x-x)+(16+2)=0 \\\\ x^2-9x+18=0 .\end{array} Using the FOIL Method which is given by $(a+b)(c+d)=ac+ad+bc+bd,$ the factored form of the equation above is \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} (x-6)(x-3)=0 .\end{array} Equating each factor to $0$ (Zero Product Property) results to \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} x-6=0 \\\\\text{OR}\\\\ x-3=0 .\end{array} Solving each equation results to \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} x-6=0 \\\\ x=6 \\\\\text{OR}\\\\ x-3=0 \\\\ x=3 .\end{array} Upon checking, only $ x=6 $ satisfies the original equation.
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