How do I find the extraneous solution of x+4=x2?

1 Answer
Mar 8, 2018

x=0 is an extraneous solution

Explanation:

square both sides to 'undo' the radical

(x+4)2=(x2)2

x+4=x24x+4

rearrange into standard form

x25x=0in standard form

x(x5)=0

x=0 or x=5

As a check

Substitute these values into the original equation

x=04=2 and 02=2

22x=0 is an extraneous solution

x=59=3 and 52=3 True

x=5 is the solution