Solving the Equation (x-9)^2 = 9
This equation involves a squared term, which means we'll need to use the square root property to solve for x. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:
1. Take the Square Root of Both Sides
- √[(x-9)^2] = ±√9
2. Simplify
- x - 9 = ±3
3. Isolate x
- x = 9 ± 3
4. Solve for the Two Possible Solutions
- Solution 1: x = 9 + 3 = 12
- Solution 2: x = 9 - 3 = 6
Therefore, the solutions to the equation (x-9)^2 = 9 are x = 12 and x = 6.
Understanding the Solutions
This equation represents a quadratic equation. The solutions we found, x = 12 and x = 6, are the x-intercepts of the parabola represented by the equation.
Let's visualize this:
- Step 1: Expand the equation: (x-9)^2 = 9 becomes x^2 - 18x + 81 = 9
- Step 2: Subtract 9 from both sides: x^2 - 18x + 72 = 0
- Step 3: Factor the quadratic equation: (x - 12)(x - 6) = 0
- Step 4: The roots of the equation are x = 12 and x = 6. These are the points where the parabola intersects the x-axis.
In conclusion, by applying the square root property, we successfully solved the equation (x-9)^2 = 9, finding two distinct solutions. We also explored the graphical interpretation of these solutions as the x-intercepts of the parabola represented by the equation.