Solving the Equation (x-5)^2 - 6 = (x+1)^2
This article will guide you through solving the equation (x-5)^2 - 6 = (x+1)^2. We'll break down each step to make the process clear and understandable.
Expanding the Equation
First, we need to expand the squared terms using the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last):
- (x-5)^2 = (x-5)(x-5) = x^2 - 10x + 25
- (x+1)^2 = (x+1)(x+1) = x^2 + 2x + 1
Now our equation looks like this:
x^2 - 10x + 25 - 6 = x^2 + 2x + 1
Simplifying the Equation
Next, let's simplify the equation by combining like terms:
x^2 - 10x + 19 = x^2 + 2x + 1
We can subtract x^2 from both sides, canceling it out:
-10x + 19 = 2x + 1
Isolating the Variable
Now we need to isolate the variable x. Let's move all x terms to one side and constant terms to the other:
- Subtract 2x from both sides: -12x + 19 = 1
- Subtract 19 from both sides: -12x = -18
Solving for x
Finally, divide both sides by -12 to solve for x:
x = -18 / -12 = 3/2
Solution
Therefore, the solution to the equation (x-5)^2 - 6 = (x+1)^2 is x = 3/2.