SOLUTION: Solve for X: √b/a-x= √a I'm having a bit difficulty on what the steps are. Help would be appreciated thanks!

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Solve for X: √b/a-x= √a I'm having a bit difficulty on what the steps are. Help would be appreciated thanks!      Log On


   



Question 749920: Solve for X: √b/a-x= √a
I'm having a bit difficulty on what the steps are. Help would be appreciated thanks!

Answer by Edwin McCravy(20086) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
√b/a-x= √a

sqrt%28b%2F%28a-x%29%29%22%22=%22%22sqrt%28a%29

Square both sides:

%28sqrt%28b%2F%28a-x%29%29%29%5E2%22%22=%22%22%28sqrt%28a%29%29%5E2

When you square both sides you take away the
radical:

%28b%2F%28a-x%29%29%22%22=%22%22a

Multiply both sides by (a-x)

%28b%2F%28a-x%29%29%22%22%2A%22%22%28a-x%29%22%22=%22%22a%22%22%2A%22%22%28a-x%29

Cancel on the left.  Distribute on the right

%28b%2F%28cross%28a-x%29%29%29%22%22%2A%22%22%28cross%28a-x%29%29%22%22=%22%22a%5E2%22%22-%22%22a%2Ax%29

      b = a² - a·x

Add a·x to both sides:

b + a·x = a²

Subtract b from both sides:

    a·x = a² - b

Divide both sides by a:

   %28a%2Ax%29%2Fa%22%22=%22%22%28a%5E2-b%29%2Fa

Cancel the a's on the left

   %28cross%28a%29%2Ax%29%2Fcross%28a%29%22%22=%22%22%28a%5E2-b%29%2Fa

   x = %28a%5E2-b%29%2Fa

Edwin