Rearranging Equations for Solving Complex Algebraic Expressions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around rearranging a complex algebraic equation involving square roots. The original poster presents the equation x = 90 - sqrt(100+x^2) - sqrt(100+x) and expresses difficulty in the process of solving for x.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest squaring the equation and using the quadratic formula as a potential approach. There is also a discussion about the need to isolate one of the square roots before squaring, with concerns about the complexity of the resulting equation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering general advice and exploring different methods. There is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet, but suggestions for manipulating the equation are being discussed.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses a lack of confidence in rearranging equations, indicating a potential barrier to understanding the problem fully. There is also a mention of a mistake in referring to the variable as "b" instead of "x," which highlights the importance of clarity in the discussion.

Jeebuz
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Hopefully this can be done. It should be relatively simple, I'm just awful at rearranging equations.

I have: x = 90 - sqrt(100+x^2) - sqrt(100+x)

I want to find the value of x.

If someone could guide me through the process I would be eternally grateful. I know there's something about reversing operations, but I get lost in the details. ;)
 
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Jeebuz said:
Hopefully this can be done. It should be relatively simple, I'm just awful at rearranging equations.

I have: x = 90 - sqrt(100+x^2) - sqrt(100+x)

I want to find the value of b.

If someone could guide me through the process I would be eternally grateful. I know there's something about reversing operations, but I get lost in the details. ;)

I'm sorry, but I don't see any "b" in the equation.
 
cyby said:
I'm sorry, but I don't see any "b" in the equation.
Oops... so sorry. I meant x. I changed it at the last minute. :hangs head in shame:
 
Have you considered squaring the equation and then using the quadratic formula?
 
cyby said:
Have you considered squaring the equation and then using the quadratic formula?


Yeah,a geberal advice...But first,he mustput one (either one) of his square roots in the other side of the equation (left,if I'm not mistaking) and then square.He has to square 2 times in all,of course.Let's hope that by squaring twice he won't be gettin'a nasty 4-th order algebraic equation...
 

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