SOLUTION: I have worked through this problem and end up with a different answer. I am not understanding how to reduce the sqrt, everything I have done to this point matched the solver. I d

Question 75706: I have worked through this problem and end up with a different answer. I am not understanding how to reduce the sqrt, everything I have done to this point matched the solver. I do not want the decimal form, it needs to remain in sqrt. This not from a text book, it is practice for a placement exam.
2+ or - sqrt of 20
x= __________________

2
I imagine there is a better way to type this out for you, but I don't know it...sorry.
Truly,
Shelly
Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

2+ or - sqrt of 20
x= __________________

2
I imagine there is a better way to type this out for you, but I don't know it...sorry.
-------------------------------
Simplify the sqrt(20) to get sqrt(4*5)=2sqrt5
Rewrite the problem as:
x=[2+-2sqrt(5)]/2
"2" is a common denominator so you get:
x=[1+-sqrt(5)]
===========
Cheers,
Stan H.
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