Solving the Equation: (x-9)^2 - 49 = 0
This equation is a quadratic equation in disguise. We can solve it using a few different methods:
Method 1: Factoring
- Recognize the pattern: The equation resembles the difference of squares pattern: a² - b² = (a+b)(a-b)
- Apply the pattern: We can rewrite the equation as: [(x-9) + 7][(x-9) - 7] = 0
- Simplify: (x-2)(x-16) = 0
- Solve for x: This gives us two possible solutions: x = 2 or x = 16
Method 2: Using the Square Root Property
- Isolate the squared term: Add 49 to both sides of the equation: (x-9)² = 49
- Take the square root: Take the square root of both sides: x - 9 = ±7
- Solve for x: This gives us two possible solutions: x = 9 + 7 = 16 or x = 9 - 7 = 2
Method 3: Expanding and Solving the Quadratic Equation
- Expand the square: (x-9)² = x² - 18x + 81
- Rewrite the equation: x² - 18x + 81 - 49 = 0
- Simplify: x² - 18x + 32 = 0
- Factor the quadratic: (x-16)(x-2) = 0
- Solve for x: This gives us two possible solutions: x = 16 or x = 2
Therefore, the solutions to the equation (x-9)² - 49 = 0 are x = 2 and x = 16.