SOLUTION: Hello! I have tried to work this problem out but my answer doesn't appear to work when I plug it back in. I must be doing something wrong. Solve the following equations alge

Algebra ->  Distributive-associative-commutative-properties -> SOLUTION: Hello! I have tried to work this problem out but my answer doesn't appear to work when I plug it back in. I must be doing something wrong. Solve the following equations alge      Log On


   

Question 95517: Hello!
I have tried to work this problem out but my answer doesn't appear to work when I plug it back in. I must be doing something wrong.
Solve the following equations algebraically:
(x+7)*(x-1)=(x+1)^2
Here is my work:
I foiled both of the sides to come up with:
x^2+7x-1x-7=x^2+2x+1
I brought over the right side to give me:
4x=-6
x=-3/2
I could be doing this totally wrong.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Answer by edjones(8007) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x%5E2%2B6x-7=x%5E2%2B2x%2B1
subtract the right side from the left. 4x-8=0
add 8 to both sides. 4x=8
divide 4 into both sides. x=2
Check:
%282%2B7%29%282-1%29=%282%2B1%29%5E2
9%2A1=3%5E2
EdJones