Solving the Equation (x + 7)² = 25
This equation involves a squared term, so we need to use the square root property to solve for x.
1. Isolate the Squared Term
The squared term is already isolated on the left side of the equation.
2. Take the Square Root of Both Sides
Remember that taking the square root introduces both positive and negative solutions.
√((x + 7)²) = ±√25
3. Simplify
This gives us:
x + 7 = ±5
4. Solve for x
We now have two separate equations:
- x + 7 = 5
- x + 7 = -5
Solving for x in each equation:
- x = 5 - 7 = -2
- x = -5 - 7 = -12
Therefore, the solutions to the equation (x + 7)² = 25 are x = -2 and x = -12.