Question

Solve the equation for x. If a solution is extraneous, be sure to identify it in your final answer.


`√(x-2)` + 8 = x

Answer 1

(17+√553)/2

and

(17-√553)/2

Explanation:

Subtract 8 from both sides. This leaves you with

sqrt(x-2) = x-8. Square both sides to get rid of the sqrt,

leaving x-2=(x-8)^2

expanding gives x-2=x^2-16x+64

subtract x from both sides leaves

-2=x^2-17x+64

add 2 to both sides

x^2-17x+66=0

this cannot be factored, however, there are other techniques.

Completing the square is a bit annoying, so I will use the quadratic formula, to give the answer.

This gives you:

(17+√553)/2

and

(17-√553)/2

Hope this helps!