Solving the Equation: (2x-3)(2x+3) = (x+5)^2 - 9
This equation involves expanding products and simplifying expressions to solve for the unknown variable 'x'. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Expanding the Products
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Left-hand side: The left side of the equation represents the difference of squares pattern: (a-b)(a+b) = a² - b²
- Apply the pattern: (2x - 3)(2x + 3) = (2x)² - (3)² = 4x² - 9
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Right-hand side: Expand the squared term and simplify.
- (x + 5)² = (x + 5)(x + 5) = x² + 10x + 25
- (x + 5)² - 9 = x² + 10x + 25 - 9 = x² + 10x + 16
Solving for x
Now our equation looks like this: 4x² - 9 = x² + 10x + 16
- Combine like terms: Subtract x² from both sides: 3x² - 9 = 10x + 16
- Isolate the x term: Subtract 10x and 16 from both sides: 3x² - 10x - 25 = 0
- Factor the quadratic equation: Find two numbers that multiply to (3 * -25 = -75) and add up to -10. These numbers are -15 and 5.
- (3x + 5)(x - 5) = 0
- Solve for x: Set each factor equal to zero and solve for x:
- 3x + 5 = 0 => x = -5/3
- x - 5 = 0 => x = 5
Conclusion
Therefore, the solutions to the equation (2x-3)(2x+3) = (x+5)² - 9 are x = -5/3 and x = 5.