Radical Equations

11th Grade•20 minutes

Learning Objective

I can solve equations containing square roots.

When solving equations with roots, isolate the term with the root and then square both sides to eliminate the square root.

To solve equations with fractional exponents like x^(3/2) = 8, raise both sides to the reciprocal power, such as (2/3), to simplify the equation.

When taking the square root to solve for x, remember that there are usually two possible solutions: a positive and a negative value.

This lesson includes 3 practice questions to reinforce learning.

View questions preview

1. Solve for x: √(2x - 1) = 3

2. Solve for x: (x - 3)^(2/3) = 4

3. Solve for x: √(4x + 5) = √(x + 8)

Solving Algebraic Equations With Roots and Exponents

Professor Dave Explains