Glossary Checklist FAQ
When solving an equation, the goal is to isolate the variable in order to determine its value. For example, in solving the equation \(3x + 5 = 14\), the goal is to get \(x\) by itself on one side of the equal sign and a numerical value on the other side. In order to do this, you must apply the opposite operation to both sides of the equation. First, you subtract (opposite of adding) five from both sides, resulting in \(3x = 9\). Then, to isolate \(x\), you divide (opposite of multiplying) by three on both sides, giving \(x = 3\). But, how do you solve an equation whose variable is raised to an exponent, such as \(x^4 + 10 = 26\)? The solution involves radicals.

In Lesson 3.1, you will

  • express a radical as an entire radical and as a mixed radical,
  • compare and order radical expressions, and
  • identify any restrictions on the variables in radicals.