Solving the Equation: (x + 7)^2 - 7 = 25
This article will guide you through the steps to solve the equation (x + 7)² - 7 = 25. We will use algebraic manipulation to isolate the variable 'x' and find its value.
Step 1: Isolate the Squared Term
- Add 7 to both sides of the equation: This removes the constant term from the left side. (x + 7)² - 7 + 7 = 25 + 7 (x + 7)² = 32
Step 2: Take the Square Root of Both Sides
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Take the square root of both sides of the equation: This eliminates the square from the left side. Remember that taking the square root can result in both positive and negative solutions. √(x + 7)² = ±√32
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Simplify the square root on the right side: x + 7 = ±√(16 * 2) = ±4√2
Step 3: Isolate 'x'
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Subtract 7 from both sides of the equation: This isolates the variable 'x'. x + 7 - 7 = ±4√2 - 7
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Simplify: x = -7 ± 4√2
Solutions
Therefore, the solutions to the equation (x + 7)² - 7 = 25 are:
- x = -7 + 4√2
- x = -7 - 4√2
These are the two possible values of 'x' that satisfy the original equation.