Solving the Equation (x-6)^2 = 25
This article will guide you through solving the equation (x-6)^2 = 25. We will explore two methods to find the solutions for x.
Method 1: Using the Square Root Property
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Take the square root of both sides: √((x-6)^2) = ±√25
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Simplify: x - 6 = ±5
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Isolate x: x = 6 ± 5
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Solve for both possible values:
- x = 6 + 5 = 11
- x = 6 - 5 = 1
Therefore, the solutions to the equation (x-6)^2 = 25 are x = 11 and x = 1.
Method 2: Expanding and Solving the Quadratic Equation
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Expand the left side of the equation: (x - 6)(x - 6) = 25 x^2 - 12x + 36 = 25
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Move all terms to one side: x^2 - 12x + 11 = 0
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Factor the quadratic equation: (x - 1)(x - 11) = 0
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Set each factor equal to zero and solve for x:
- x - 1 = 0 => x = 1
- x - 11 = 0 => x = 11
As you can see, both methods lead to the same solutions: x = 1 and x = 11.
Key Takeaway: Understanding both methods will provide you with a comprehensive approach to solving equations of this type. The choice of method depends on your preference and the complexity of the equation.