SOLUTION: Hello, I think I am confused on this whole radical equation thing. The problem I have is : {{{28-4sqrt( 2 )=24 sqrt( 2 )}}} First I have to get one of the radical terms isolate

Algebra ->  Radicals -> SOLUTION: Hello, I think I am confused on this whole radical equation thing. The problem I have is : {{{28-4sqrt( 2 )=24 sqrt( 2 )}}} First I have to get one of the radical terms isolate      Log On


   

Question 374883: Hello,
I think I am confused on this whole radical equation thing. The problem I have is : 28-4sqrt%28+2+%29=24+sqrt%28+2+%29
First I have to get one of the radical terms isolated, but in this case one is already isolated correct?
Next is using the principle of powers so I would square both sides, this would give me 28-4sqrt%28+2+%29%5E2=+24+sqrt%28+2+%29%5E2. Is this correct thus far?
Sorry, but I'm lost.
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


You have a bunch of stuff going on here, and none of it is correct. In the first place you cannot simply square parts of your equation and ignore the rest of it.

Hence, it is NOT correct to say that if then .

Now, given , it would be correct to perform the following operation:



which works out to



When you FOIL and collect terms in the LHS.

BUT -- that is all for naught because you began with a false statement, namely it is NOT true that



Add to both sides resulting in



Which is clearly a false statement. If you divide both sides by 28 you know that the square root of 2 is certainly not equal to 1.

I'm concerned that you may have left something out of the original problem statement.

John

My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it
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