Question

How do you solve `(x + 2)^2 = 36`?

Answer 1

`x=-8" or "x=4`

Explanation:

`color(blue)"take the square root of both sides"`

`sqrt((x+2)^2)=+-sqrt36larrcolor(blue)"note plus or minus"`

`rArrx+2=+-6`

`"subtract 2 from both sides"`

`rArrx=-2+-6`

`rArrx=-2-6=-8" or "x=-2+6=4`

`color(blue)"As a check"`

Substitute these values into the left side of the equation and if equal to the right side then they are the solutions.

`x=-8to(-8+2)^2=(-6)^2=36`

`x=4to(4+2)^2=6^2=36`

`rArrx=-8" or "x=4" are the solutions"`