Radical Equation Solution: Simplifying and Transposing for Accurate Results?

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In summary: This way you get a simple quadratic equation.$$t^2-2=\sqrt{t^2}$$$$t^2-2=t$$$$t=\pm\sqrt{3}$$In summary, we can solve the equation $\sqrt{x}-\frac{2}{\sqrt{x}}=1$ by first multiplying it by $\sqrt{x}$ to get $x-2=\sqrt{x}$, which can be further simplified as $t^2-2=\sqrt{t^2}$ if we let $x=t^2$. When we solve for $t$, we get $t=\pm\sqrt{3}$, and since $x=t^2$, our two solutions are $x=3$ and $x
  • #1
paulmdrdo1
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$\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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  • #2
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. becuase 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
 
  • #3
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 ..
=)
 
  • #4
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.
 
  • #5
I suggest letting $x=t^2$ if you don't prefer working with radicals , just like me.
 

Related to Radical Equation Solution: Simplifying and Transposing for Accurate Results?

What is a radical equation?

A radical equation is an equation that contains one or more radical expressions, such as square roots or cube roots. These equations can be solved by isolating the radical and raising both sides of the equation to the same power to eliminate the radical.

What is the process for solving a radical equation?

The process for solving a radical equation involves isolating the radical expression, raising both sides of the equation to the same power to eliminate the radical, and then solving for the variable. It is important to check for extraneous solutions, which are solutions that do not work in the original equation.

How do I check for extraneous solutions in a radical equation?

To check for extraneous solutions, plug the potential solution into the original equation. If it results in a true statement, then it is a valid solution. If it results in a false statement, then it is an extraneous solution.

Can all radical equations be solved?

No, not all radical equations can be solved. Some equations may have no real solutions, while others may have infinite solutions. It is important to check if the solution is valid and if it satisfies the original equation.

Are there any special cases when solving radical equations?

Yes, there are a few special cases when solving radical equations. These include equations with two radicals, equations with variables in the radicand, and equations with rational exponents. It is important to follow the same steps and check for extraneous solutions in these cases.

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