Solving the Equation (x - 4)² = 20
This article will guide you through the steps of solving the equation (x - 4)² = 20.
Understanding the Equation
The equation represents a quadratic equation in a slightly disguised form. Let's break it down:
- (x - 4)²: This is a squared term, meaning the expression (x - 4) is multiplied by itself.
- = 20: This indicates that the squared term is equal to 20.
Solving for x
To find the values of x that satisfy the equation, we follow these steps:
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Take the square root of both sides: √(x - 4)² = ±√20
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Simplify: x - 4 = ±√20
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Isolate x: x = 4 ±√20
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Simplify the radical: x = 4 ± 2√5
Therefore, the solutions to the equation (x - 4)² = 20 are:
- x = 4 + 2√5
- x = 4 - 2√5
Conclusion
We have successfully solved the equation (x - 4)² = 20 by utilizing the properties of square roots and basic algebraic manipulations. The solutions obtained are x = 4 + 2√5 and x = 4 - 2√5. Remember, whenever you take the square root of both sides of an equation, you must consider both the positive and negative solutions.