SOLUTION: Solve the equation by the square root method. (2x-5)^2=121 There are 2 answers 8 and -3 Please help me understand how they came up with this

Algebra ->  Square-cubic-other-roots -> SOLUTION: Solve the equation by the square root method. (2x-5)^2=121 There are 2 answers 8 and -3 Please help me understand how they came up with this      Log On


   

Question 297570: Solve the equation by the square root method.
(2x-5)^2=121
There are 2 answers
8 and -3
Please help me understand how they came up with this
Found 2 solutions by jim_thompson5910, richwmiller:
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

%282x-5%29%5E2=121 Start with the given equation.


2x-5=%22%22%2B-sqrt%28121%29 Take the square root of both sides.


2x-5=sqrt%28121%29 or 2x-5=-sqrt%28121%29 Break up the "plus/minus" to form two equations.


2x-5=11 or 2x-5=-11 Take the square root of 121 to get 11.


2x=5%2B11 or 2x=5-11 Add 5 to both sides.


2x=16 or 2x=-6 Combine like terms.


x=8 or x=-3 Divide both sides by 2 to isolate x.


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Answer:


So the solutions are x=8 or x=-3.

Answer by richwmiller(17219) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(2x-5)^2=121
2x-5=+-11
2x-5=-11 and 11
2x=5-11 and 5+11
2x=-6 and 16
x=-3 and 8