How do you solve x^2-2=17x22=17?

1 Answer
Feb 17, 2017

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, add color(red)(2)2 to each side of the equation to isolate x^2x2 while keeping the equation balanced:

x^2 - 2 + color(red)(2) = 17 + color(red)(2)x22+2=17+2

x^2 - 0 = 19x20=19

x^2 = 19x2=19

Now, take the square root of each side of the equation to solve for xx while keeping the equation balanced. Also remember, the square root of a number has both a negative and positive answer:

sqrt(x^2) = +-sqrt(19)x2=±19

x = +-sqrt(19) = +-4.359x=±19=±4.359 rounded to the nearest thousandth.