Factor out the common term; 3
(3(x + 1))^2 = 36
Use the Multiplication Distributive Property; (xy)^a = x^ay^a
3^2(x + 1)^2 = 36
Simplify 3^2 to 9
9(x + 1)^2 = 36
Divide both sides by 9
(x + 1)^2 = 36/9
Simplify 36/9 to 4
(x + 1)^2 = 4
Take the square root of both sides
x + 1 = √4
Since 2 * 2 = 4, the square root of 2 is 2
x + 1 = 2
Break down the problem into these 2 equations
x + 1 = 2
x + 1 = -2
Solve the first equation; x + 1 = 2
x = 1
Solve the second equation; x + 1 = -2
x = -3
Collect all solutions;
x = 1, -3