How do you solve sqrt (m) + 7 = 5?

1 Answer
Sep 11, 2015

Using the non-primary root, it could be argued that #m=4#

Explanation:

#sqrt(m)+7=5#

#rArr sqrt(m) = -2#

Since the primary square root is positive
this has no Real solution using the primary root.

However if we allow secondary roots:
#color(white)("XXX")#square root of #m = +-sqrt(m)#
and
for #m=4#,
#color(white)("XXX")#one solution is
#color(white)("XXX")#square root of #m = -sqrt(4) = -2#

The most likely, expected answer is that the given equation has no valid solution (in #RR#)