How do you solve #w^2-5=23#?

2 Answers
May 27, 2018

#w = 2sqrt7#

Explanation:

#w^2 - 5 = 23#

First, add #color(blue)5# to both sides of the equation:
#w^2 - 5 quadcolor(blue)(+quad5) = 23 quadcolor(blue)(+quad5)#

#w^2 = 28#

Now take the square root of both sides:
#sqrt(w^2) = sqrt28#

Now simplify to simplest radical form:
#w = sqrt(4*7)#

#w = sqrt4sqrt7#

#w = 2sqrt7#

Hope this helps!

May 27, 2018

#w=+-2sqrt7#

Explanation:

#"isolate "w^2" by adding 5 to both sides"#

#w^2=23+5=28#

#color(blue)"take the square root of both sides"#

#sqrt(w^2)=+-sqrt28larrcolor(blue)"note plus or minus"#

#w=+-sqrt(4xx7)=+-2sqrt7#