Question

What is the first step in solving quadratic equations by finding square roots?
a.
give the positive and negative answer
b.
isolate the x^2 squared by using inverse operations
c.
square root both sides to isolate x
d.
none of these

Answer 1

The first step in solving quadratic equations by finding square roots is b.  isolate the x² squared by using inverse operations.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's us consider a quadratic equation:

3x² + 4 = 52

Step 1: Isolate the x² squared by using inverse operations.

3x² + 4 - 4 = 52 - 4

3x² = 48

x² = 48/3 = 16

Step 2: Square root both sides to isolate x.

x² = 16

√x² = √16

x = ± 4

Step 3: Give the positive and negative answer.

Since, the 'x' is a square, on substituting both negative or positive number, we get the same results.

3 × (± 4)² + 4 = 52

(3 × 16) + 4 = 52

48 + 4 = 52

∴ 52 = 52