7.5 Solving Radical Equations

What is a Radical Equation? A Radical Equation is an equation that has a variable in a radicand or has a variable with a rational exponent. yes no

EXAMPLE – Solving a Radical Equation 2 () 2 Square both sides to get rid of the square root

Let’s Try Some

RADICAL EQUATIONS ISOLATE RADICAL / RATIONAL RAISE BOTH SIDES TO RECIPROCAL POWER SOLVE FOR THE VARIABLE

ISOLATE RADICAL / RATIONAL RAISE BOTH SIDES TO RECIPROCAL POWER Use absolute value when taking an even number root.

Checking for extraneous solutions So check answers with

SOLVING MORE COMPLEX EQUATIONS Raise each side to the 4 th power. This will get you integer powers – much easier to work with! Factor

check for extraneous solutions