1. Solving Radical Equations

2. The simplest kind of radical equation is one like this

3. To solve it, you need only square both sides of the equation.

4. Of course, most radical equations are not that simple. Usually there are several terms on each side.

5. So the first step in solving a radical equation is to get it in a form similar to the first problem we looked at; that is, get the radical alone on one side of the equation. Then square both sides of the equation and solve the resulting equation.

6. Example Subtract 2 from each side. Divide both sides by 2. Square both sides Subtract 1

7. Lets practice a few. Solve:

8. Check your answers. Solve X=81 X=49 X=9

9. Apply your understanding Solve Find a number such that the square root of 3 less than twice the number is equal to 3. (write the equation and then solve it)

10. Check your answer. Write an equation Square both sides Add 3 to both sides Divide both sides by 2