Solve the Quadratic Equation: (√x + 1/2)(√x - 1/2) = 0

Quadratic Equations with Square Root Terms

Complete the following exercise:

(x+12)(x12)=0 (\sqrt{x}+\frac{1}{2})(\sqrt{x}-\frac{1}{2})=0

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:05 We'll use the shortened multiplication formulas to expand the parentheses
00:24 Square root equals the number itself
00:28 Calculate the square of half
00:32 Isolate X
00:38 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Complete the following exercise:

(x+12)(x12)=0 (\sqrt{x}+\frac{1}{2})(\sqrt{x}-\frac{1}{2})=0

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the equation (x+12)(x12)=0(\sqrt{x} + \frac{1}{2})(\sqrt{x} - \frac{1}{2}) = 0, we can apply the zero-product property, which tells us that if a product of two factors is zero, at least one of the factors must be zero.

Let us proceed with each factor:

  • First Factor: x+12=0\sqrt{x} + \frac{1}{2} = 0
    Solving for xx, subtract 12\frac{1}{2} from both sides:
    x=12\sqrt{x} = -\frac{1}{2}
    Squaring both sides, we get:
    x=(12)2=14x = \left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)^2 = \frac{1}{4}.
    However, since the square root should be zero or positive, this case does not yield a real solution.
  • Second Factor: x12=0\sqrt{x} - \frac{1}{2} = 0
    Solving for xx, add 12\frac{1}{2} to both sides:
    x=12\sqrt{x} = \frac{1}{2}
    Squaring both sides, we have:
    x=(12)2=14x = \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2 = \frac{1}{4}.

Therefore, the solution to the equation (x+12)(x12)=0(\sqrt{x} + \frac{1}{2})(\sqrt{x} - \frac{1}{2}) = 0 is x=14x = \frac{1}{4}.

Upon reviewing the provided choices, the correct answer that matches our solution is: 14 \frac{1}{4} (Option 2).

3

Final Answer

14 \frac{1}{4}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Zero-Product Property: If two factors multiply to zero, one factor must equal zero
  • Domain Restriction: x0 \sqrt{x} \geq 0 , so x=12 \sqrt{x} = -\frac{1}{2} is impossible
  • Verification: Check x=14 x = \frac{1}{4} : (12+12)(1212)=10=0 (\frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2})(\frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{2}) = 1 \cdot 0 = 0

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Accepting negative square root values as valid solutions
    Don't accept x=12 \sqrt{x} = -\frac{1}{2} = impossible solution! Square roots of real numbers are always non-negative by definition. Always check that your square root values are zero or positive before squaring both sides.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve:

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

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't x=12 \sqrt{x} = -\frac{1}{2} be a solution?

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By definition, the square root symbol x \sqrt{x} always gives the principal (non-negative) square root. Since 12<0 -\frac{1}{2} < 0 , this equation has no real solution.

How do I use the zero-product property here?

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When you have (A)(B)=0 (A)(B) = 0 , either A = 0 or B = 0 (or both). So set each factor equal to zero: x+12=0 \sqrt{x} + \frac{1}{2} = 0 and x12=0 \sqrt{x} - \frac{1}{2} = 0 .

Can I use the difference of squares formula instead?

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Yes! You can recognize this as (x)2(12)2=0 (\sqrt{x})^2 - (\frac{1}{2})^2 = 0 , which gives x14=0 x - \frac{1}{4} = 0 , so x=14 x = \frac{1}{4} . Both methods work!

What if I get x = 1/4 but it doesn't seem right?

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Always verify by substitution! When x=14 x = \frac{1}{4} , we get 14=12 \sqrt{\frac{1}{4}} = \frac{1}{2} , so the equation becomes (12+12)(1212)=(1)(0)=0 (\frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2})(\frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{2}) = (1)(0) = 0

Why do we square both sides when solving x=12 \sqrt{x} = \frac{1}{2} ?

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Squaring both sides eliminates the square root: (x)2=(12)2 (\sqrt{x})^2 = (\frac{1}{2})^2 becomes x=14 x = \frac{1}{4} . This is the standard method for solving square root equations!

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