Solving the Equation: (x+9)(x-3) = (x+1)^2
This article will guide you through solving the equation (x+9)(x-3) = (x+1)^2. We will use algebraic manipulation to isolate the variable 'x' and find its value.
Expanding the Equation
First, we need to expand both sides of the equation:
- Left side: (x+9)(x-3) = x² + 6x - 27
- Right side: (x+1)² = x² + 2x + 1
Now the equation becomes: x² + 6x - 27 = x² + 2x + 1
Simplifying the Equation
Next, we can simplify the equation by combining like terms:
- Subtract x² from both sides: 6x - 27 = 2x + 1
- Subtract 2x from both sides: 4x - 27 = 1
- Add 27 to both sides: 4x = 28
Isolating the Variable
Finally, we isolate 'x' by dividing both sides by 4:
- Divide both sides by 4: x = 7
Solution
Therefore, the solution to the equation (x+9)(x-3) = (x+1)² is x = 7.
Verification
We can verify our answer by substituting x = 7 back into the original equation:
- Left side: (7+9)(7-3) = 16 * 4 = 64
- Right side: (7+1)² = 8² = 64
Since both sides equal 64, our solution x = 7 is correct.