Question

Solve:
(x – 3)2 = 5.

Answer 1

x = 5.5

Explanation:

Let's look at our problem: (x – 3)2 = 5

Ok, first things first we need to multiply the parentheses first! If we break it up it looks like this:

x*2 - 3*2 =5

Now we see that we have:

2x - 6 = 5

We now add the like terms which are 6 and 5. We add 6 on both sides to eliminate 6 from the right side and move it to the left:

2x - 6 = 5

+6 +6

We now get:

2x = 11

Now we divide by two on both sides so we find out what x alone is:

`(2x)/(2)` =
`(11)/(2)`

Now we have our answer!

x = 5.5

Alright everyone, give yourself a pat on the back because that was a toughie!

Answer 2

x = 3 ± √5

Explanation:

Step 1: Square root both sides

√(x - 3)² = ±√5

x - 3 = ±√5

Step 2: Add 3 to both sides

x = 3 ± √5

x = 0.763932, 5.23607

If your equation is 2(x - 3) = 5, then:

Step 1: Distribute

2x - 6 = 5

Step 2: Add 6 on both sides

2x = 11

Step 3: Divide both sides by 2

x = 11/2