Question

How do you solve `0= ( x - 8) ^ { 2} - 49`?

Answer 1

Perform opposite operations to the `0`. In this case, we get `x=15`.

Explanation:

Basically, all we have to do is perform opposite operations to the `0`. This will isolate the `x`.

So first off, let's move the `-49` to the other side of the equation.

`0=(x-8)^2-49`

`49=(x-8)^2`

Now, let's square root the `49`. We do this because we have to do the opposite operation of the other: squaring is opposite to square rooting.

`7=x-8`

Now, we move the `-8` to the other side.

`15=x`

We now know that `x=15`. We can double check our work by subbing in `x=15` in the original equation and solving to see if it equals `0`.

`0=(x-8)^2-49`

`0=(15-8)^2-49`

`0=(7)^2-49`

`0=49-49`

`0=0`

We get the same answer! Therefore, we can conclude that `x=15`.

Hope this helps :)