Solving the Equation: (x-3)(x^2+6x+9) = 7(x+3)
This equation presents a polynomial equation that we can solve using algebraic manipulation. Here's a step-by-step solution:
1. Expand both sides of the equation:
- On the left side, we recognize that (x^2 + 6x + 9) is a perfect square trinomial: (x+3)^2.
- Therefore, the left side becomes: (x-3)(x+3)^2
- The right side remains: 7(x+3)
2. Simplify the equation:
- We now have: (x-3)(x+3)^2 = 7(x+3)
- Notice that (x+3) is a common factor on both sides. Let's factor it out:
- (x+3) [(x-3)(x+3) - 7] = 0
3. Solve for the roots:
- The equation is now in factored form. To find the roots (solutions), we set each factor to zero:
- (x+3) = 0 --> x = -3
- (x-3)(x+3) - 7 = 0 --> x^2 - 9 - 7 = 0 --> x^2 - 16 = 0 --> (x-4)(x+4) = 0
- From the second factor, we get: x = 4 and x = -4
4. Solutions:
- Therefore, the solutions to the equation (x-3)(x^2+6x+9) = 7(x+3) are:
- x = -3
- x = 4
- x = -4
Important Note: It is always crucial to check the solutions obtained by plugging them back into the original equation to ensure they are valid. In this case, all three solutions satisfy the original equation.