Question

What is the most logical first step in solving the equation x2 + 6x +9 = 10?

A. Subtract 9 from both sides of the equation
о
B. Take the square root of both sides of the equation
C. Subtract 10 from both sides of the equation
O
D. Factor the left side of the equation

Answer 1

D

Explanation:

The logical step is to factorize the left side of the equation, which becomes:

• (x + 3)² = 10

Then, you can take the square root on both sides.

• x + 3 = ±√10
• x = ±√10 - 3

Not asked, but good to understand the procedure regardless.