Solve the following problem:
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Solve the following problem:
Shown below is the given equation:
Note that on the left side we are able to factor the expression by using a common factor. The largest common factor for the numbers and variables in this case is due to the fact that the first power is the lowest power in the equation. Therefore it is included both in the term with the fourth power and in the term with the first power. Any power higher than this is not included in the term with the first power, which is the lowest. Hence this is the term with the highest power that can be factored out as a common factor from all terms in the expression. Continue to factor the expression:
Proceed to the left side of the equation that we obtained in the last step. There is a multiplication of algebraic expressions and on the right side the number 0. Therefore, given that the only way to obtain 0 from a multiplication is to multiply by 0, at least one of the expressions in the multiplication on the left side must equal zero,
Meaning:
or:
(in this case taking the odd root of the left side of the equation will yield only one possibility)
Let's summarize the solution of the equation:
Therefore the correct answer is answer A.
Solve the following equation:
\( 2x^2-8=x^2+4 \)
Dividing by x would lose the solution x=0! When you divide by a variable, you assume it's not zero, which eliminates zero as a possible answer. Always factor first instead.
Look for the lowest power of x that appears in every term. Here, x¹ appears in both 8x and x⁴, so factor out x:
If , then either a=0 or b=0 (or both). So when , either x=0 or 8-x³=0.
The cube root of 8 is 2 because 2³=8. Unlike even roots, odd roots like cube roots have only one real solution for any real number.
Substitute into the original equation: . Both sides equal zero, so x=2 is correct!
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