Question 810579
 Solve
a) x^(1/2) - x ^(1/4) - 2 = 0 
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This is a quadratic equation with variable x^(1/4)::
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Factor:
(x^(1/4)-2)(x^(1/4)+1) = 0
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x^(1/4) = 2 of x^(1/4) = -1
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x = 2^4 = 16
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Note:: x^(1/4) = -1 has an extraneous solution.
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Cheers,
Stan H.