Radical Equation Solution: Simplifying and Transposing for Accurate Results?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the radical equation $\sqrt{x}-\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}=1$. Participants explore various methods for simplifying and transposing terms to find solutions, while questioning the correctness of each other's approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that transposing $\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}$ leads to $\sqrt{x}=\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}$, resulting in the solution $x=2$.
  • Another participant points out that the first participant dropped the 1 in their transposition, suggesting the correct form should be $\sqrt{x}=1+\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}$ and indicates that this approach may not be helpful.
  • A different participant suggests that multiplying by $\sqrt{x}$ and moving terms leads to $x=1+2=3$, expressing hope that this is correct.
  • Another reply challenges this method, stating that multiplying the original equation results in $x - 2 = \sqrt{x}$ and advises squaring both sides, warning of potential extraneous solutions that need to be tested.
  • One participant suggests substituting $x=t^2$ to avoid working with radicals, indicating a preference for this approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of various methods for solving the equation, with no consensus on a single correct solution or approach. Multiple competing views remain regarding the steps to take and the validity of proposed solutions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the potential for extraneous solutions when squaring both sides of the equation, indicating that not all derived solutions may satisfy the original equation.

paulmdrdo1
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$\sqrt{x}-\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}=1$

transposing $\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}$ to the right-side

$\sqrt{x}=\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}$ multiply by $\sqrt{x}$

I get,

$x=2$ is my solution correct? if not please explain why. thanks!
 
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paulmdrdo said:
$\sqrt{x}-\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}=1$

transposing $\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}$ to the right-side

$\sqrt{x}=\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}$ multiply by $\sqrt{x}$

I get,

$x=2$ is my solution correct? if not please explain why. thanks!

It is not right. because you dropped the 1

you will get
$\sqrt{x}=1+ \frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}$

but this approach shall not help

1st step is to multiply by $\sqrt{x}$ to remove redical from denominator
 
paulmdrdo said:
$\sqrt{x}-\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}=1$

transposing $\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}$ to the right-side

$\sqrt{x}=\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}$ multiply by $\sqrt{x}$

I get,

$x=2$ is my solution correct? if not please explain why. thanks!
you can solve it in that way :
$$\sqrt{x}-\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}=1$$
multiply by $$\sqrt{x}$$ and moving the other term to the other side :
$$x=1+2=3$$
hope that is right ..
=)
 
Maged Saeed said:
you can solve it in that way :
$$\sqrt{x}-\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}=1$$
multiply by $$\sqrt{x}$$ and moving the other term to the other side :
$$x=1+2=3$$
hope that is right ..
=)

No, that isn't right, either.

If we multiply the equation:

$\sqrt{x} - \dfrac{2}{\sqrt{x}} = 1$

by $\sqrt{x}$, we obtain:

$x - 2 = \sqrt{x}$

Now, the best thing to do is square both sides. This will introduce an "extraneous" solution, so be sure to test both answers against the original problem.
 
I suggest letting $x=t^2$ if you don't prefer working with radicals , just like me.
 

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