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7.6 Solving Radical Equations

GOAL 1 SOLVING A RADICAL EQUATION
What you should learn
GOAL 1 Solve equations To solve a radical equation—an equation that contains radicals or rational
that contain radicals or exponents—you need to eliminate the radicals or rational exponents and obtain a
rational exponents. polynomial equation. The key step is to raise each side of the equation to the
GOAL 2 Use radical same power.
equations to solve real-life If a = b, then an = bn. Powers property of equality
problems, such as determin-
ing wind speeds that corre- Then solve the new equation using standard procedures. Before raising each side of
spond to the Beaufort wind an equation to the same power, you should isolate the radical expression on one side
scale in Example 6. of the equation.

Why you should learn it

 To solve real-life EXAMPLE 1 Solving a Simple Radical Equation
problems, such as determin-
ing which boats satisfy the 3
Solve x º 4 = 0.
rule for competing in the
America’s Cup sailboat race
SOLUTION
in Ex. 68. AL LI 3
x º 4 = 0 Write original equation.
FE
RE

3
x = 4 Isolate radical.
3
(x)3 = 43 Cube each side.

x = 64 Simplify.

 The solution is 64. Check this in the original equation.

EXAMPLE 2 Solving an Equation with Rational Exponents

Solve 2x3/2 = 250.

SOLUTION
3
Because x is raised to the  power, you should isolate the power and then raise each
2

STUDENT HELP
2 2
 3
side of the equation to the  power  is the reciprocal of  .
3 3 2 
Study Tip 2x3/2 = 250 Write original equation.
To solve an equation of x 3/2
= 125 Isolate power.
the form x m/n = k where
2
k is a constant, raise both (x 3/2)2/3 = 1252/3 Raise each side to }} power.
3
sides of the equation to
n x = (1251/3)2 Apply properties of roots.
the  power, because
m 2
x = 5 = 25 Simplify.
(x m/n )n/m = x 1 = x.
 The solution is 25. Check this in the original equation.

7.6 Solving Radical Equations 437

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EXAMPLE 3 Solving an Equation with One Radical

Solve 4xº
7 + 2 = 5.

SOLUTION
4xº
7 +2=5 Write original equation.

4xº
7 =3 Isolate radical.

(4xº
7 )2 = 32 Square each side.

4x º 7 = 9 Simplify.

4x = 16 Add 7 to each side.

x=4 Divide each side by 4.

✓CHECK Check x = 4 in the original equation.

4x
º7 +2=5 Write original equation.

4(4
)º
7 ·3 Substitute 4 for x.

9 · 3 Simplify.

3=3✓ Solution checks.

 The solution is 4.
..........

Some equations have two radical expressions. Before raising both sides to the same
power, you should rewrite the equation so that each side of the equation has only one
radical expression.

EXAMPLE 4 Solving an Equation with Two Radicals

Solve 3x+
2 º 2x = 0.

STUDENT HELP SOLUTION

NE
ER T
HOMEWORK HELP
3x+
2 º 2x = 0 Write original equation.
INT

Visit our Web site 3x+

2 = 2x Add 2x to each side.
[Link]
for extra examples. (3x+
2 )2 = (2x )2 Square each side.

3x + 2 = 4x Simplify.

2=x Solve for x.

✓CHECK Check x = 2 in the original equation.

3x
+2 º 2x = 0 Write original equation.

3(2
)+
2 º 22 · 0 Substitute 2 for x.

22 º 22 · 0 Simplify.

0=0✓ Solution checks.

 The solution is 2.

438 Chapter 7 Powers, Roots, and Radicals

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If you try to solve x = º1 by squaring both sides, you get x = 1. But x = 1 is
not a valid solution of the original equation. This is an example of an extraneous
(or false) solution. Raising both sides of an equation to the same power may
introduce extraneous solutions. So, when you use this procedure it is critical that
you check each solution in the original equation.

EXAMPLE 5 An Equation with an Extraneous Solution

Solve x º 4 = 2
x.

STUDENT HELP SOLUTION

Look Back x º 4 = 2x Write original equation.
For help with factoring,
see p. 256. (x º 4)2 = (2x )2 Square each side.
2
x º 8x + 16 = 2x Expand left side; simplify right side.

x2 º 10x + 16 = 0 Write in standard form.

(x º 2)(x º 8) = 0 Factor.

xº2=0 or xº8=0 Zero product property

x=2 or x=8 Simplify.

✓CHECK Check x = 2 in the original equation.

x º 4 = 2x
 Write original equation.

2 º 4 · 2(2
) Substitute 2 for x.

º2 · 4 Simplify.

º2 ≠ 2 Solution does not check.

✓CHECK Check x = 8 in the original equation.

x º 4 = 2x
 Write original equation.

8 º 4 · 2(8
) Substitute 8 for x.

4 · 16 Simplify.

4=4✓ Solution checks.

 The only solution is 8.

..........

If you graph each side of the equation in Example 5,

as shown, you can see that the graphs of y = x º 4
and y = 2x intersect only at x = 8. This confirms
that x = 8 is a solution of the equation, but that
x = 2 is not. Intersection
X=8 Y=4
In general, all, some, or none of the apparent
solutions of a radical equation can be extraneous.
When all of the apparent solutions of a radical
equation are extraneous, the equation has no solution.

7.6 Solving Radical Equations 439

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FOCUS ON
APPLICATIONS GOAL 2 SOLVING RADICAL EQUATIONS IN REAL LIFE

EXAMPLE 6 Using a Radical Model

BEAUFORT WIND SCALE The Beaufort wind scale was devised to measure wind
speed. The Beaufort numbers B, which range from 0 to 12, can be modeled by
B = 1.69s+.4
45 º 3.49 where s is the speed (in miles per hour) of the wind.
Find the wind speed that corresponds to the Beaufort number B = 11.

L
AL I Beaufort Wind Scale
BEAUFORT
FE
RE

WIND SCALE Beaufort Force of wind Effects of wind

The Beaufort wind scale number
was developed by Rear-
0 Calm Smoke rises vertically.
Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort
in 1805 so that sailors could 1 Light air Direction shown by smoke.
detect approaching storms. 2 Light breeze Leaves rustle; wind felt on face.
Today the scale is used
mainly by meteorologists. 3 Gentle breeze Leaves move; flags extend.
NE
ER T
INT

APPLICATION LINK 4 Moderate breeze Small branches sway; paper blown about.
[Link]
5 Fresh breeze Small trees sway.
6 Strong breeze Large branches sway; umbrellas difficult to use.
7 Moderate gale Large trees sway; walking difficult.
8 Fresh gale Twigs break; walking hindered.
9 Strong gale Branches scattered about; slight damage to buildings.
10 Whole gale Trees uprooted; severe damage to buildings.
11 Storm Widespread damage.
12 Hurricane Devastation.

SOLUTION
B = 1.69s+
.4
45 º 3.49 Write model.

11 = 1.69s+
.4
45 º 3.49 Substitute 11 for B.

14.49 = 1.69s+
.4
45 Add 3.49 to each side.

8.57 ≈ s+
.4
45 Divide each side by 1.69.

73.4 ≈ s + 4.45 Square each side.

69.0 ≈ s Subtract 4.45 from each side.

 The wind speed is about 69 miles per hour.

✓ALGEBRAIC CHECK Substitute 69 for s into the
model and evaluate.
1.6969+.4
45 º 3.49 ≈ 1.69(8.57) º 3.49
≈ 11 ✓
✓ GRAPHIC CHECK You can use a graphing calculator Intersection
X=69.06287 Y=11
to graph the model, and then use the Intersect feature
to check that x ≈ 69 when y = 11.

440 Chapter 7 Powers, Roots, and Radicals

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GUIDED PRACTICE
Vocabulary Check ✓ 1. What is an extraneous solution?
Concept Check ✓ 2. Marcy began solving x 2/3 = 5 by cubing each side. What will she have to do
next? What could she have done to solve the equation in just one step?

3. Zach was asked to solve 5

xº
2 º 7xº
4 = 0. His first step was to square
each side. While trying to isolate x, he gave up in frustration. What could Zach
have done to avoid this situation?
Skill Check ✓ Solve the rational exponent equation. Check for extraneous solutions.
4. 3x1/4 = 4 5. (2x + 7)3/2 = 27 6. x4/3 + 9 = 25
7. 4x 2/3 º 6 = 10 8. 5(x º 8)3/4 = 40 9. (x + 9)5/2 º 1 = 31

Solve the radical equation. Check for extraneous solutions.

4 3 5
10. x = 3 11. 3x + 6 = 10 12. 2
x+
1 +5=9
3 3
13. xº
2 =xº2 14. x+
4 = 2xº
5 15. 6x º xº
1 =0
16. BEAUFORT WIND SCALE Use the information in Example 6 to determine
the wind speed that corresponds to the Beaufort number B = 2.

PRACTICE AND APPLICATIONS

STUDENT HELP CHECKING SOLUTIONS Check whether the given x-value is a solution of
the equation.
Extra Practice
to help you master 17. x º 3 = 6; x = 81 18. 4(x º 5)1/2 = 28; x = 12
skills is on p. 950. 3
19. (x + 7)3/2 º 20 = 7; x = 2 20. 4x + 11 = 5; x = º54
x+
21. 25 4 + 10 = 10; x = 0 22. 4
xº
3 º 3x = 0; x = 3
SOLVING RATIONAL EXPONENT EQUATIONS Solve the equation. Check
for extraneous solutions.
2
23. x5/2 = 32 24. x1/3 º  = 0 25. x 2/3 + 15 = 24
5
1
26. ºx1/5 = 10 27. 4x 3/4 = 108 28. (x º 4)3/2 = º6
2
7
29. (2x + 5)1/2 = 4 30. 3(x + 1)4/3 = 48 31. º(x º 5)1/4 +  = 2
STUDENT HELP 3
HOMEWORK HELP SOLVING RADICAL EQUATIONS Solve the equation. Check for extraneous
Example 1: Exs. 17–22, solutions.
32–46 1 3 4
Example 2: Exs. 17–22, 32. x =  33. x + 10 = 16 34. 2
x º 13 = º9
9
23–31 3
Example 3: Exs. 17–22, 35. x+
6
5 = 16 36. x+
0
4 = º5 37. 6
xº
5 + 10 = 3
32–46 2 5
Example 4: Exs. 17–22, 38. 1
0x+
6 = 12 x+
39. 27 4 º1=7 xº
40. º22 1 +4=0
5
47–54
Example 5: Exs. 23–54 41. x º 12 = 1
6x 42. 4 
x4
+1 = 3x 43. 
x2
+5 =x+3
Example 6: Exs. 63–69
44. 
3
x =xº6 45. 8
x+
1 =x+2 46. 2x+16 = x + 56
7.6 Solving Radical Equations 441
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SOLVING EQUATIONS WITH TWO RADICALS Solve the equation. Check for
extraneous solutions.
4 4
47. 2
xº
1 = x+
4 48. 6xº
5 = x+
0
1

 2x+13
4
49. º 8x +  =
3
50. 210

3
ºx
3 = 2
ºx
3

4
51. 2x + x+

4
3 =0 52. xº
6º 13x = 0
3 3 3
53. 2
x+
0
1 º 2x = 0 54. 2x+
5
1 º x =0
2
SOLVING EQUATIONS Use the Intersect feature on a graphing calculator
to solve the equation.
3
55. x1/3 = º2 56. 2(x + 19)2/5 º 1 = 17
4

57. (3.5x + 1)2/7 = (6.4x + 0.7)2/7  

1 3/4
58. x
5
3
= x º 
8

70
º2x º 10 = º6
3
59. 6
.7
x+
4
1 = 9.4 60.


1 4
61. 4 x º  = 23
6
x 62. 1
.1
x+
.4
2 = 19x º 4.2

63. NAILS The length l (in inches) of a standard nail can be modeled by
l = 54d 3/2
where d is the diameter (in inches) of the nail. What is the diameter of a standard
nail that is 3 inches long?
64. SCIENCE CONNECTION Scientists have found that the body mass m (in
kilograms) of a dinosaur that walked on two feet can be modeled by
m = (1.6 ª 10º4)C273/100

FOCUS ON where C is the circumference (in millimeters) of the dinosaur’s femur. Scientists
PEOPLE have estimated that the mass of a Tyrannosaurus rex might have been
4500 kilograms. What size femur would have led them to this conclusion?
 Source: The Zoological Society of London

65. WOMEN IN MEDICINE For 1970 through 1995, the percent p of Doctor of
Medicine (MD) degrees earned each year by women can be modeled by
p = (0.867t 2 + 39.2t + 57.1)1/2
where t is the number of years since 1970. In what year were about 36% of the
degrees earned by women?  Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States
66. PLUMB BOBS You work for a company that
manufactures plumb bobs. The same mold is used
to cast plumb bobs of different sizes. The equation
L
AL I
DR. ALEXA
FE
RE

3
CANADY was the h = 1.5t, 0 ≤ h ≤ 3
first African-American
models the relationship between the height h
woman to become a
neurosurgeon in the United (in inches) of the plumb bob and the time t (in
States. She received her MD seconds) that metal alloy is poured into the mold.
degree, discussed in Ex. 65, How long should you pour the alloy into the mold
in 1975. to cast a plumb bob with a height of 2 inches?

442 Chapter 7 Powers, Roots, and Radicals

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67. BEAUFORT WIND SCALE Recall from Example 6 that the Beaufort
number B from the Beaufort wind scale can be modeled by
B = 1.69s+
.4
45 º 3.49
where s is the speed (in miles per hour) of the wind. Find the wind speed that
corresponds to the Beaufort number B = 7.
68. AMERICA’S CUP In order to compete in the America’s Cup sailboat race,
a boat must satisfy the rule
3
l + 1.25s º 9.8d
 ≤ 24
0.679

where l is the length (in meters) of the boat, s is the area (in square meters) of the
sails, and d is the volume (in cubic meters) of water displaced by the boat. If a
boat has a length of 20 meters and a sail area of 300 square meters, what is the
minimum allowable value for d?  Source: America’s Cup
69. GEOMETRY CONNECTION You are trying to
determine the height of a truncated pyramid that
cannot be measured directly. The height h and slant
h
height l of a truncated pyramid are related by the
formula

l= h+14(
2
b 
2 b)
º 1
2
4
where b1 and b 2 are the lengths of the upper and lower bases of the pyramid,
respectively. If l = 5, b1 = 2, and b 2 = 4, what is the height of the pyramid?
x instead
70. CRITICAL THINKING Look back at Example 5. Solve x º 4 = º2
of x º 4 = 2x. How does changing 2x to º2x change the solution(s) of
the equation?

Test 71. MULTIPLE CHOICE What is the solution of 6

xº
4 = 3?
Preparation
¡
A
1
º
6 ¡
B
5

6 ¡
C
7

6 ¡
D
5

3 ¡
E
13

6

1
72. MULTIPLE CHOICE What is (are) the solution(s) of 2
xº
3 = x?
2

¡
A 2 ¡
B 2, 6 ¡
C
18

7 ¡
D
21

4 ¡
E none

73. MULTIPLE CHOICE What is the solution of xº

7=
3
34x+1 ?
3

¡
A º6 ¡
B
24
º
7 ¡
C º4 ¡
D 2 ¡
E 32

★ Challenge SOLVING EQUATIONS WITH TWO RADICALS Solve the equation. Check for
extraneous solutions. (Hint: To solve these equations you will need to square
each side of the equation two separate times.)

74. x+
5 = 5 º x 75. 2
x+
3 = 3 º 2x

76. x+
3 º xº
1 =1 77. 2
x+
4 + 3xº
5 =4
EXTRA CHALLENGE
1 1
[Link] 78. 3
xº
2 = 1 + 2xº
3 79. 2
xº
5 º 3x+
4 =1
2 2

7.6 Solving Radical Equations 443

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MIXED REVIEW
USING ORDER OF OPERATIONS Evaluate the expression. (Review 1.2 for 7.7)
80. 6 + 24 ÷ 3 81. 3 • 5 + 10 ÷ 2 82. 27 º 4 • 16 ÷ 8
2
83. 2 º (10 • 2) ÷ 5 84. 8 + (3 • 10) ÷ 6 º 1 85. 11 º 8 ÷ 2 + 48 ÷ 4

USING GRAPHS Graph the polynomial function. Identify the x-intercepts,

local maximums, and local minimums. (Review 6.8)
86. ƒ(x) = x3 º 4x2 + 3 87. ƒ(x) = 3x3 º 2.5x2 + 1.25x + 6
1 1
88. ƒ(x) = x4 º  89. ƒ(x) = x5 + x3 º 6x
2 2
90. PRINTING RATES The cost C (in dollars) of printing x announcements (in
hundreds) is given by the function shown. Graph the function. (Review 2.7)
62 + 22(x º 1), if 1 ≤ x ≤ 5
C=
150 + 14(x º 5), if x > 5

NE
ER T
APPLICATION LINK

INT
Tsunamis [Link]

IN AUGUST OF 1883, a volcano erupted on the island of Krakatau,

THEN Indonesia. The eruption caused a tsunami (a type of wave) to form
and travel into the Indian Ocean and into the Java Sea. The speed
ASIA
s (in kilometers per hour) that a tsunami travels can be modeled
by s = 356d where d is the depth (in kilometers) of the water.
Pacific
1. A tsunami from Krakatau hit Jakarta traveling about Ocean
60 kilometers per hour. What is the average depth of the AFRICA
Krakatau
water between Krakatau and Jakarta?
Jakarta
2. After 15 hours and 12 minutes a tsunami from Krakatau hit Indian AUSTRALIA
Port Elizabeth, South Africa, 7546 kilometers away. Find the Ocean
Port Elizabeth
average speed of the tsunami.
3. Based on your answer to Exercise 2, what is the average
depth of the Indian Ocean between Krakatau and Port Elizabeth?
AFTER A TRAGIC TSUNAMI hit the Aleutian Islands in 1946, scientists began work on
NOW a tsunami warning system. Today that system is operated 24 hours a day at the
Honolulu Observatory and effectively warns people when a tsunami might arrive.

Alaskan earthquake
1995
Famous tsunami art causes Pacific-wide
created by Hokusai. tsunami.

c. 1800 1957

Prototype of tsunami
1883 real-time reporting
Krakatau erupts. system developed.

444 Chapter 7 Powers, Roots, and Radicals