Unlock the keys to solving a variety of equations with factoring, square roots and grouping

Solution for x⁴ = 16x²

Step 1: Rewrite the equation as x⁴ – 16x² = 0

Step 2: Factor out the common term x²

x²(x² – 16) = 0

Step 3: Factor the expression x² – 16 as a difference of two squares

x²(x – 4)(x + 4) = 0

Step 4: Solve for x by setting each factor equal to zero

x² = 0 ⟶ x = 0

x – 4 = 0 ⟶ x = 4

x + 4 = 0 ⟶ x = -4

Step 5: The equation x⁴ = 16x² has three solutions: x = 0, x = 4, and x = -4

Solving A Variety Of Equation Types Math 111 Notes 9 18 2023


Solving the Equation x³ – 3x² + 3x – 9 = 0 by Factoring

🔹 Step 1: Group the Terms

Group the terms in pairs: (x³ – 3x²) + (3x – 9)

🔹 Step 2: Factor Each Group

Factor out the common terms from each group:

x²(x – 3) + 3(x – 3)

🔹 Step 3: Factor by Grouping

Now, factor out the common binomial (x – 3):

(x – 3)(x² + 3)

🔹 Step 4: Find the Roots

Set each factor equal to zero and solve for x:

x – 3 = 0 ⟶ x = 3

x² + 3 = 0 ⟶ x = ±√(-3) = ±√3i

🔹 Step 5: Final Answer

The equation x³ – 3x² + 3x – 9 = 0 has roots x = 3, x = √3i, and x = -√3i.


Solving the Equation √(2x + 7) – x = 2

🔹 Step 1: Isolate the Square Root

Move the term with x to the other side of the equation:

√(2x + 7) = x + 2

🔹 Step 2: Square Both Sides

Squaring both sides to eliminate the square root:

(√(2x + 7))² = (x + 2)²

2x + 7 = x² + 4x + 4

🔹 Step 3: Simplify the Equation

Rearrange the equation into standard form:

x² + 2x – 3 = 0

🔹 Step 4: Factor the Equation

Factor the equation:

(x + 3)(x – 1) = 0

🔹 Step 5: Solve for x

Set each factor equal to zero and solve for x:

x + 3 = 0 ⟶ x = -3

x – 1 = 0 ⟶ x = 1

🔹 Step 6: Check the Solutions

Substitute the solutions back into the original equation to check:

For x = -3: √(2(-3) + 7) – (-3) = 2 ⟶ False

For x = 1: √(2(1) + 7) – 1 = 2 ⟶ True

🔹 Step 7: Final Answer

The equation √(2x + 7) – x = 2 has one solution x = 1.