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Intermediate Algebra – Student Workbook – Second Edition 2013

Intermediate Algebra – Student Workbook – Second Edition 2013

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Lesson 6b - Rational Exponents and Radical Functions<br />

Mini-Lesson<br />

Problem 13<br />

WORKED EXAMPLE <strong>–</strong> SOLVE RADICAL EQUATIONS <strong>–</strong> MORE<br />

ADVANCED<br />

Solve the equation algebraically and check graphically:<br />

result!<br />

x + 6 = x. Be sure to check your final<br />

Since the radical is isolated, square both sides to remove the square root. Then, isolate x.<br />

<br />

x<br />

2<br />

x 6 x<br />

x 6<br />

<br />

2<br />

x<br />

x 6 x<br />

0 x<br />

x 6 0<br />

2<br />

2<br />

2<br />

x 6<br />

What we now have is a quadratic equation that we can solve using the methods of Lesson 5. The<br />

easiest and fastest way to work with this problem is through factoring. You can also use the<br />

Quadratic Formula or graphing.<br />

2<br />

x x 6 0<br />

CHECK:<br />

( x 2)( x 3) 0<br />

x 2 0 or x 3 0<br />

x 2<br />

or x 3<br />

When x = -2<br />

2 6 2?<br />

4 2?<br />

2 2<br />

x = -2 does not check so is not a solution.<br />

When x = 3<br />

3<br />

6 3?<br />

9 3?<br />

3 3<br />

x = 3 checks so is a solution.<br />

Graphical Check: y1=<br />

x + 6, y2 = x Window: Standard (Zoom:6)<br />

Using the Intersection Method, we obtain<br />

a verified solution of x = 3.<br />

Scottsdale Community College Page 274 <strong>Intermediate</strong> <strong>Algebra</strong>

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