Solving the Equation: (x - 3/2)^2 = 5/4
This equation involves a squared term, so we'll use the square root property to solve for x.
Step 1: Take the Square Root of Both Sides
The square root property states that if a² = b, then a = ±√b. Applying this to our equation:
√[(x - 3/2)²] = ±√(5/4)
Step 2: Simplify
This simplifies to:
x - 3/2 = ±√(5/4)
Step 3: Isolate x
Add 3/2 to both sides of the equation:
x = 3/2 ±√(5/4)
Step 4: Simplify the Radical
We can simplify the radical by taking the square root of the numerator and denominator separately:
x = 3/2 ± √5 / √4
x = 3/2 ± √5 / 2
Step 5: Combine Terms
Since both terms have a common denominator, we can combine them:
x = (3 ± √5) / 2
Solution
Therefore, the solutions to the equation (x - 3/2)² = 5/4 are:
- x = (3 + √5) / 2
- x = (3 - √5) / 2