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Radical Equations

Form: √(ax + b) = c

Conditions:

  • ax + b ≥ 0 (expression under the radical is non-negative)
  • c ≥ 0 (right side is non-negative)

Solution method: Square both sides

√(x + 1) = 3

Form: √(ax + b) = cx + d

Conditions:

  • ax + b ≥ 0
  • cx + d ≥ 0

Solution method: Square both sides and solve quadratic equation

√(x + 4) = x - 2

Left side: √(ax + b)

Right side: cx + d

Form: √(ax + b) + √(cx + d) = e

Conditions:

  • ax + b ≥ 0
  • cx + d ≥ 0

Solution method: Set conditions, rearrange and square

√(x + 1) + √(x - 1) = 2