Simplify the Expression: x² + (-9) Step by Step

Quadratic Equations with Difference of Squares

(+x2)+(9)= (+x^2)+(-9)=

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1

Understand the problem

(+x2)+(9)= (+x^2)+(-9)=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the given equation x29=0 x^2 - 9 = 0 , we will utilize the difference of squares technique.

The equation can be written as:

x232=0 x^2 - 3^2 = 0

Recognizing this as a difference of squares, we have:

(x3)(x+3)=0 (x - 3)(x + 3) = 0

This implies that either x3=0 x - 3 = 0 or x+3=0 x + 3 = 0 .

Solving these two linear equations will give us the values of x x .

  • For x3=0 x - 3 = 0 , adding 3 to both sides gives:
  • x=3 x = 3 .

  • For x+3=0 x + 3 = 0 , subtracting 3 from both sides gives:
  • x=3 x = -3 .

Therefore, the solutions to the equation x29=0 x^2 - 9 = 0 are x=3 x = 3 and x=3 x = -3 .

Conclusively, we have:

The solution to the problem is x=±3\mathbf{x = \pm 3}.

3

Final Answer

x=±3 x=±3

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Recognition: Transform x29 x^2 - 9 into x232 x^2 - 3^2 form
  • Factoring: Apply difference of squares: (x3)(x+3)=0 (x-3)(x+3) = 0
  • Check: Verify both solutions: 329=0 3^2 - 9 = 0 and (3)29=0 (-3)^2 - 9 = 0

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting the negative solution
    Don't solve only x3=0 x - 3 = 0 and miss x+3=0 x + 3 = 0 = incomplete answer! When you factor (x3)(x+3)=0 (x-3)(x+3) = 0 , both factors must equal zero. Always solve both linear equations to get x=±3 x = ±3 .

Practice Quiz

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Solve:

\( (2+x)(2-x)=0 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does x² - 9 = 0 have two solutions?

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Because when you square both 3 and -3, you get 9! Since 32=9 3^2 = 9 and (3)2=9 (-3)^2 = 9 , both values make the equation true.

How do I recognize a difference of squares?

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Look for the pattern a2b2 a^2 - b^2 ! Here, x29 x^2 - 9 becomes x232 x^2 - 3^2 since 9 is a perfect square (3²).

What if I can't factor the expression?

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Not all expressions are difference of squares! You need two perfect squares separated by subtraction. If factoring doesn't work, try other methods like the quadratic formula.

Why can't I just take the square root of both sides?

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You could, but you'd get x=±9=±3 x = ±\sqrt{9} = ±3 directly. Factoring shows the steps clearly and helps you understand why there are two solutions!

Do I always write the answer as x = ±3?

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Yes! The ± symbol is the standard way to show both positive and negative solutions. It's cleaner than writing x=3 x = 3 or x=3 x = -3 separately.

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