Question

Meredith solved a quadratic equation. Her work is shown below.

In which step did Meredith make an error?
2(x + 4)2 = 242
(x + 4)2 = 121 Step 1
2+4=11 Step 2
2= 7 Step 3

Answer 1

Step 2

Explanation:

Answer 2

Step 2

Explanation:

Meredith made a fatal mistake or error in step 2;

Any quadratic problem will always have two solutions. Therefore since, we only have one solution here, it is wrong. The mistake was incurred in step 2;

From the given problem ;

Wrong right

2(x + 4)² = 242

(x + 4)² = 121 Step 1

x+4=11 Step 2 x + 4 = ± 11

x = 7 Step 3 x + 4 = 11 or x + 4 = -11

x = 11- 4 or x = -11 - 4

x = 7 or -15