Solving the Equation (x-5)^2 - 16 = 0
This article will guide you through solving the equation (x-5)^2 - 16 = 0. This equation is a quadratic equation in disguise, and we can solve it using a couple of methods.
Method 1: Using the Square Root Property
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Isolate the squared term: Add 16 to both sides of the equation: (x-5)^2 = 16
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Take the square root of both sides: Remember that taking the square root introduces both positive and negative solutions: x - 5 = ±4
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Solve for x:
- x - 5 = 4 => x = 9
- x - 5 = -4 => x = 1
Therefore, the solutions to the equation (x-5)^2 - 16 = 0 are x = 9 and x = 1.
Method 2: Expanding and Solving the Quadratic
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Expand the square: (x - 5)^2 = x^2 - 10x + 25
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Rewrite the equation: x^2 - 10x + 25 - 16 = 0 x^2 - 10x + 9 = 0
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Factor the quadratic: (x - 9)(x - 1) = 0
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Solve for x:
- x - 9 = 0 => x = 9
- x - 1 = 0 => x = 1
Again, we arrive at the solutions x = 9 and x = 1.
Conclusion
Both methods demonstrate that the solutions to the equation (x-5)^2 - 16 = 0 are x = 9 and x = 1. You can choose the method that you find more comfortable or efficient.