Example 5

Step 1
Determine the restrictions on the variable x.


The radicand value must be greater than or equal to zero.

 

Step 2
Solve for the unknown, x.

Note: Do not square both sides of the equation to 'undo' the square root until the radical is isolated.

 

Step 3
Verify the solution

Left side =

Right side = 4
Left side ≠ Right side

The verification confirms the solution value of x = 6 does not satisfy the equation . As such, we call x = 6 an extraneous root and say that the equation has no solution.