Question

-x^2 = -36

Solve the equation using inverse operations. Check your solutions. In you final answer, include all of your work.

Answer 1

x = ±6

General Formulas and Concepts:

Pre-Algebra

• Order of Operations: BPEMDAS
• Equality Properties

Algebra II

• Extraneous solutions and multiple answers/roots

Explanation:

Step 1: Define

-x² = -36

Step 2: Solve for x

1. Divide -1 on both sides: x² = 36
2. Square root both sides: x = ±6

Step 3: Check

Plug in x to verify it's a solution.

1. Substitute in -6: -(-6)² = -36
2. Exponents: -(36) = -36
3. Multiply: -36 = -36

1. Substitute in 6: -(6)² = -36
2. Exponents: -(36) = -36
3. Multiply: -36 = -36

Here we see that both -6 and 6 do indeed work as solutions.

∴ x = ±6 are both solutions to the equation.