Solving the Equation (x+7)² = 16
This equation involves a squared term, which means we'll need to use the square root property to solve for x. Let's break down the steps:
1. Isolate the Squared Term
First, we need to isolate the term (x+7)². Since the right side of the equation is already a constant, we're good to go!
2. Take the Square Root of Both Sides
To get rid of the square, we take the square root of both sides of the equation:
√[(x+7)²] = ±√16
Remember that taking the square root of a number can result in both a positive and negative solution. This is why we include the "±" sign.
3. Simplify
Simplifying the equation gives us:
x + 7 = ±4
4. Solve for x
Now we have two separate equations to solve:
- x + 7 = 4
- Subtracting 7 from both sides: x = -3
- x + 7 = -4
- Subtracting 7 from both sides: x = -11
Solutions
Therefore, the solutions to the equation (x+7)² = 16 are x = -3 and x = -11.