SOLUTION: solve for x 24 - (x^2/20) = 16 I started by multiplying both sides of the equation by 20 480 - x^2 = 320 x^2 = 160 x=4 rad 10 Is that correct?

Algebra ->  College  -> Linear Algebra -> SOLUTION: solve for x 24 - (x^2/20) = 16 I started by multiplying both sides of the equation by 20 480 - x^2 = 320 x^2 = 160 x=4 rad 10 Is that correct?      Log On


   

Question 464407: solve for x
24 - (x^2/20) = 16
I started by multiplying both sides of the equation by 20
480 - x^2 = 320

x^2 = 160
x=4 rad 10
Is that correct?
Answer by richard1234(7193) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Yes, that's correct. However there are two solutions for x, not just one.

When you have , taking the square root of both sides will result in . However, x can also be equal to (the negative solution). This is a common place to mess up. For square roots it is pretty easy to compensate; just put a +/- sign in front. When you have cube or fourth roots and you want to find all such roots you will have to use complex numbers.