Intermediate Algebra: Solve (x + 16)^2 - 6 = 0

[Helen]

Solve the equation. Express radicals in simplest form.
This is the problem: (x + 16) ^ (2) - 6 = 0
My answer: {16 + (radical 6), 16 - (radical 6)}
Is my answer correct?

 

[Loren]

Re: Intermediate Algebra

Almost.

(x + 16) ^ 2 - 6 = 0
(x+16)^2 = 6
\(\displaystyle x+16 =\pm\sqrt{6}\)
\(\displaystyle x = -16\pm\sqrt{6}\)

 

[Helen]

Re: Intermediate Algebra

Loren,
Are you saying that the answer should be {- 16 + (radical 6), - 16 - (radical 6) ? Helen

 

[o_O]

Re: Intermediate Algebra

Yes, that's the same thing ... \(\displaystyle \pm\) just makes it easier to express the two without having to write both solutions out in full.

 

[Helen]

Re: Intermediate Algebra

,
Thank you for the explanation and the help. Helen