How do you solve a^ { 2} + 1= 17?

2 Answers
Apr 14, 2018

a = +-4

Explanation:

1/ a^2 + 1 = 17
2/ a^2 = 16
3/ Take the square root both side
4/ a = +-4

Apr 14, 2018

a+-4

Explanation:

"rearrange and equate to zero"

"subtract 17 from both sides"

rArra^2-16=0

a^2-16" is a "color(blue)"difference of squares"

[a^2-b^2=(a-b)(a+b)]

rArr(a-4)(a+4)=0

"equate each factor to zero and solve for x"

a-4=0rArra=4

a+4=0rArra=-4