How do you solve sqrt(x+1)+2=4 and check the solution?

1 Answer
Jun 23, 2017

x = 3

Explanation:

1. Subtract 2 from both sides to isolate the square root.

sqrt(x+1) + 2 - 2 = 4 - 2
sqrt(x+1) = 2

2. To get rid of the square root, square both sides.

(sqrt(x+1))^2 = 2^2
x + 1 = 4

3. Subtract 1 from both sides to find x.

x + 1 - 1 = 4 - 1
x = 3

Now that we know that x = 3, check the solution by plugging its value back into the original equation.

sqrt(3 + 1) + 2 = 4
sqrt(4) + 2 = 4
2 + 2 = 4
4 = 4

The solution, x = 3, works!