SOLUTION: 1) {{{ x^2+2x+x^2-4=36 }}} i get confused on how to eliminate exponets. I'm solving for x. 2){{{ (x+16)/5 }}} I don't know how to solve this at all. Please explain step by st

Algebra ->  Exponents -> SOLUTION: 1) {{{ x^2+2x+x^2-4=36 }}} i get confused on how to eliminate exponets. I'm solving for x. 2){{{ (x+16)/5 }}} I don't know how to solve this at all. Please explain step by st      Log On


   

Question 337942: 1) +x%5E2%2B2x%2Bx%5E2-4=36+
i get confused on how to eliminate exponets. I'm solving for x.
2)+%28x%2B16%29%2F5+
I don't know how to solve this at all. Please explain step by step!
Answer by katealdridge(100) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
#1
First, simplify the equation by combining like terms.
2x%5E2%2B2x-4=36
This is a quadratic equation (the x is squared) so you have to set the equation equal to zero by subtracting 36 from both sides.
2x%5E2%2B2x-40=0 Everything here can be divided by 2 to make the problem simpler. You can do this in a equation as long as you do it to both sides.
x%5E2%2Bx-20=0 Now you can factor this quadratic to find the answer most easily.
%28x%2B5%29%28x-4%29=0 This is the equation factored. You need to look for two numbers that multiply to 20 and add or subtract to 1 (the middle number). These numbers are 4 and 5.
Then set each equation equal to 0.
x%2B5=0x-4=0 Solve each for x.
x=-5, x=4. These are your answers. Most quadratics have two answers.
#2 isn't an equation, so you can't solve it. I would assume there is some info missing. If you need more help on factoring, please ask.