# Homework Help: Elementary inequality problem

1. Jul 7, 2013

### Saitama

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
$$3\sqrt{x}-\sqrt{x+3}>1$$

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
As obvious from the given inequality, x must be greater than zero.
Rearranging and squaring both the sides,
$$9x>1+x+3+2\sqrt{x+3} \Rightarrow 4x-2>\sqrt{x+3}$$
Squaring again,
$$16x^2+4-16x>x+3 \Rightarrow 16x^2-17x+1>0 \Rightarrow (x-1/16)(x-1)>0$$
Hence, $x \in (0,1/16) \cup (1,\infty)$ but this is wrong. The correct answer is $(1,\infty)$. I don't see what I did wrong.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

2. Jul 7, 2013

### Curious3141

This is a "classic" elementary mistake in algebra. When you square (or more generally, take even powers) of equations, you often introduce "redundant roots". These roots solve the final form you get, but are not solutions to the original equation. The basic reason is that the square of both $a$ and $-a$ give you the same value $a^2$.

Try putting $x = \frac{1}{16}$ in the original LHS and see what the expression evaluates to. Do you see what's going on?

In the future, when you square equations to solve them (if it's unavoidable, as in this case), always go back and test your solution set using the original equation. Discard solutions that don't satisfy the original equation.

3. Jul 7, 2013

### Saitama

I understand what you say but is it possible to be able to point out the redundant interval immediately? I mean, in this case, I had to substitute 1/16 and found that it did not satisfy the inequality. How should I go about selecting the "redundant" roots?

4. Jul 7, 2013

### Curious3141

Generally, you test the solutions at the end and decide which to accept. I'm not familiar with any simpler method.

5. Jul 7, 2013

Thanks!

6. Jul 7, 2013

### Curious3141

Sure, and thanks for the thanks!

7. Jul 7, 2013

### ehild

Before "squaring again", you have to investigate the equation. If 4x-2>0, you can proceed. But 4x-2<0 is not possible, as the square root is defined as non-negative number. A negative number can not be greater than a non-negative one. Therefore x must be greater then 0.5.

ehild

8. Jul 7, 2013

### Saitama

Nice catch ehild, thank you!