Algebra Examples

${(x - 3)}^{2} = 16$

Step 1

Take the specified root of both sides of the equation to eliminate the exponent on the left side.

$x - 3 = \pm \sqrt{16}$

Step 2

Simplify $\pm \sqrt{16}$ .

Tap for more steps...

Step 2.1

Rewrite $16$ as $4^{2}$ .

$x - 3 = \pm \sqrt{4^{2}}$

Step 2.2

Pull terms out from under the radical, assuming positive real numbers.

$x - 3 = \pm 4$

Step 3

The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.

Tap for more steps...

Step 3.1

First, use the positive value of the $\pm$ to find the first solution.

$x - 3 = 4$

Step 3.2

Move all terms not containing $x$ to the right side of the equation.

Tap for more steps...

Step 3.2.1

Add $3$ to both sides of the equation.

$x = 4 + 3$

Step 3.2.2

Add $4$ and $3$ .

$x = 7$

Step 3.3

Next, use the negative value of the $\pm$ to find the second solution.

$x - 3 = - 4$

Step 3.4

Move all terms not containing $x$ to the right side of the equation.

Tap for more steps...

Step 3.4.1

Add $3$ to both sides of the equation.

$x = - 4 + 3$

Step 3.4.2

Add $- 4$ and $3$ .

$x = - 1$

Step 3.5

The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.

$x = 7, - 1$