Chapter 1

Equations and Inequalities

1.4 Radical Equations; Equations Quadratic in Form

1. 2t − 1 = 1 2. 3t + 4 = 2
( 2t − 1) = 12 ( 3t + 4 ) = 2 2
2 2

2t − 1 = 1 3t + 4 = 4
2t = 2 3t = 0
t =1 t=0
Check: 2(1)− 1 = 1 = 1 Check: 3(0) + 4 = 4 = 2
The solution is t = 1. The solution is t = 0.

3. 3t + 4 = −6 4. 5t + 3 = −2

Since the principal square root is always a Since the principal square root is always a
non-negative number, this equation has non-negative number, this equation has
no real solution. no real solution.

5. 3
1 − 2x − 3 = 0 6. 3
1 − 2x − 1 = 0
3
1 − 2x = 3 3
1 − 2x = 1
( 1 − 2x ) = 33 ( 1 − 2x ) = 13
3 3
3 3

1 − 2x = 27 1 − 2x = 1
− 2x = 26 − 2x = 0
x = −13 x=0
Check: 1 − 2(−13) − 3
3
Check: 1 − 2(0) − 1 = 3 1 − 1 = 0
3

= 3 27 − 3 = 0 The solution is x = 0.
The solution is x = −13.

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Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities

7. x =8 x 8. x =3 x
(x ) = 8 x ( ) (
(x ) = 3 x )
2 2 2 2

x2 = 64 x x 2 = 9x
x2 −64 x = 0 x2 −9x = 0
x ( x −64 ) = 0 x ( x −9) = 0
x = 0 or x = 64 x = 0 or x = 9
Check Check
x = 0 :0=8 0 x = 0 :0= 3 0
0 =0 0 =0
x = 6 4: 6 4= 8 64 x = 9 :9= 3 9
64 = (8)(8) = 64 9 = (3)( 3) = 9
The solution set is {0,64 }. The solution set is {0,9} .

9. 15 − 2x = x 10. 12 − x = x
( ) ( 12 − x ) = x 2
2 2
15 − 2x = x 2
15 − 2x = x 2
12 − x = x 2
x + 2x − 15 = 0
2
x 2 + x − 12 = 0
(x + 5)(x − 3) = 0 (x + 4)(x − 3) = 0
x = −5 or x = 3 x = − 4 or x = 3
Check – 5: 15 − 2(−5) = 25 Check – 4 : 12 − (− 4) = 16
= 5 ≠ −5 = 4 ≠ −4
Check 3: 15 − 2(3) = 9 = 3 = 3 Check 3: 12 − 3 = 9 = 3 = 3
The solution is x = 3. The solution is x = 3.

11. x = 2 x −1 12. x = 2 −x −1
x2 = ( 2 x − 1 ) x 2 = (2 −x − 1)
2 2

x 2 = 4(x − 1) x 2 = 4(−x − 1)
x 2 = 4x − 4 x 2 = − 4x − 4
x 2 − 4x + 4 = 0 x 2 + 4x + 4 = 0
(x − 2)2 = 0 (x + 2) 2 = 0
x =2 x = −2
C h e c k : 2= 2 2 − 1 → 2 = 2 Check: − 2 = 2 −(− 2) − 1
The solution is x = 2. → −2 ≠ 2
No real solution.

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 Section 1.4 Radical Equations; Equations Quadratic in Form

13. x2− x− 4 = x + 2 14. 3− x + x2 = x − 2

( ) ( )
2 2
x2− x− 4 = (x + 2) 3− x + x2 = ( x −2)
2 2

x 2 − x − 4 = x2 + 4x + 4 3− x + x 2 = x 2 − 4x + 4
8 5x =1
−8 = 5x → − = x
5 1
x=
5

Check Check

8  82  8   8 1  1   1 2  1 
x=- :  -  − - − 4 = - + 2 x= : 3−  +   =   −2
5  5  5   5 5  5  5 5 
64 8 2 1 1 9
+ −4 = 3− + =−
25 5 5 5 25 5
64 + 40 − 100 2
= Since the principal square root is always a
25 5 non-negative number, x = 1/5 does not check,
4 2 therefore this equation has no real solution.
=
25 5
2 2 8
= The solution is x = - .
5 5 5

15. 3 + 3x + 1 = x 16. 2 + 12 − 2x = x
3x + 1 = x − 3 12 − 2x = x − 2
( 3x + 1) = (x − 3)2 ( 12 − 2x ) = (x − 2)2
2 2

3x + 1 = x 2 − 6x + 9 12 − 2x = x 2 − 4x + 4
0 = x 2 − 9x + 8 0 = x 2 − 2x − 8
(x − 1)(x − 8) = 0 (x + 2)(x − 4) = 0
x = 1 or x = 8 x = − 2 or x = 4
Check 1: 3+3(1)+1 Check − 2: 2 + 12 − 2(− 2 )
= 3+ 4 = 5 ≠1 = 2 + 16 = 6 ≠ − 2
Check 8: 3+ 3 ( 8 ) + 1 Check 4: 2+ 12 − 2(4)
= 3 + 25 = 8 = 8 =2+ 4 =4 =4
The solution is x = 8. The solution is x = 4.

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Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities

17. 2x + 3 − x + 1 = 1 18. 3x + 7 + x + 2 = 1
2 x + 3 = 1 + x +1 3x + 7 = 1− x + 2
( 2x + 3) = (1+ x + 1) ( 3x + 7 ) = (1− x + 2 )
2 2 2 2

2 x + 3 = 1 + 2 x +1 + x +1 3x + 7 = 1− 2 x + 2 + x + 2
x +1 = 2 x +1 2x + 4 = − 2 x + 2
(x + 1)2 = (2 x + 1 ) −x − 2 = x + 2
2

(−x − 2)2 = ( x + 2 )
2
x 2 + 2x + 1 = 4(x + 1)
x 2 + 2x + 1 = 4x + 4 x 2 + 4x + 4 = x +2
x 2 − 2x − 3 = 0 x 2 + 3x + 2 =0
(x + 1)(x − 3) = 0 (x + 1)(x + 2) =0
x = −1 or x = 3 x = −1 or x = − 2

Check – 1 : 2(−1)+ 3 − −1 + 1 Check – 1 : 3(−1) + 7 + −1 + 2

= 1− 0 =1−0 =1=1 = 4 + 1 = 2 +1 = 3 ≠ 1
Check 3: 2(3) + 3 − 3 + 1 Check − 2: 3(− 2) + 7 + − 2 + 2
= 9 − 4 = 3−2 =1=1 = 1+ 0 =1+0 =1= 1
The solution is x = −1 or x = 3. The solution is x = − 2.

19. 3x + 1 − x − 1 = 2 20. 3x − 5 − x + 7 = 2
3x + 1 = 2 + x − 1 3x − 5 = 2 + x + 7
( 3x + 1 ) = (2 + x − 1)
2 2
( 3x − 5 ) = (2 +
2
x + 7)
2

3x + 1 = 4 + 4 x − 1 + x − 1 3x − 5 = 4 + 4 x + 7 + x + 7
2x − 2 = 4 x − 1 2x − 16 = 4 x + 7
(2x − 2 )2 = (4 x − 1) ( 2x − 16)2 = ( 4 x + 7 )
2 2

4x 2 − 8x + 4 = 16(x − 1) 4x 2 − 64x + 256 = 16(x + 7)

x 2 − 2x + 1 = 4x − 4 4x 2 − 64x + 256 = 16x + 112
x 2 − 6x + 5 = 0 4x 2 − 80x + 144 = 0
(x − 1)(x − 5) = 0 x 2 − 20x + 36 = 0
x = 1 or x = 5 (x − 2)(x − 18) = 0
Check 1: 3(1)+ 1 − 1− 1 x = 2 or x = 18
= 4− 0 = 2−0 = 2= 2 Check 2: 3(2) − 5 − 2 + 7
Check 5: 3(5) + 1 − 5 − 1 = 1 − 9 = 1 − 3 = −2 ≠ 2
= 16 − 4 = 4 − 2 = 2 = 2 Check 18: 3(18)− 5 − 18 + 7
The solution is x = 1 or x = 5. = 49 − 25 = 7 − 5 = 2 = 2
The solution is x = 18.

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 Section 1.4 Radical Equations; Equations Quadratic in Form

21. 3− 2 x = x 22. 10 + 3 x = x

( ) ( ) ( ) ( x)
2 2 2 2
3− 2 x = x 10 + 3 x =

3− 2 x = x 10 + 3 x = x
−2 x = x − 3 3 x = x −10

(−2 x ) = ( x − 3) (3 x) = ( x −10)
2 2 2 2

4 x = x 2 − 6x + 9 9x = x2 −20x +100
0 = x 2 −10x + 9 0 = x2 −29x +100
0 = ( x − 9)( x −1) 0 = ( x − 25)( x − 4)
x = 9 or x =1 x = 25 or x = 4
Check Check
x = 9 : 3− 2 9 = 9 x = 2 5 : 10 + 3 25 = 25
3− 2(3) = 3 10 + ( 3)(5) = 5
−3 ≠ 3 25 = 5
Check Check
x = 1 : 3− 2 1 = 1 x= 4 : 10 + 3 4 = 4
3− 2(1) =1 10 + ( 3)(2) = 2
1 =1 16 ≠ 2
The solution is x =1. The solution is x = 25.

23. (3x +1)1 / 2= 4 24. (3x −5)1 / 2= 2

((3x +1)1 / 2) = ( 4) 2 ((3x −5)1 / 2) = (2)2
2 2

3x + 1=16 3x − 5 = 4
3x =15 3x = 9
x =5 x =3
Check Check
x = 5 : ( 3(5) +1) =4 (3(3) −5) =2
1/2 1/2
x = 3:
161/2 = 4 41/2 = 2
4=4 2=2
The solution is x = 5. The solution is x = 3.

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Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities

25. (5x −2)1 / 3= 2 26. (2x +1)1 / 3= −1

((5x −2)1 / 3) = (2)3 ((2x +1)1 / 3) = (−1)3
3 3

5x − 2 = 8 2x +1= −1
5x =10 2x = −2
x =2 x = −1
Check Check
x = 2 : ( 5(2) −2) x = −1 : (2 (−1) +1)
1/3
=2 = −1
1/3

81/3 = 2 (−1)1 / 3 = −1
2=2 − 1= −1
The solution is x = 2. The solution is x = −1.

(x + 9) (x −16)
1/2 1/2
=5 =9
2 2
27. 28.

((x + 9) ) = (5)
2 1/2 2 2
((x −16) ) = (9)
2 1/2 2 2

x 2 + 9 = 25 x 2 −16 = 81
x 2 = 16 x 2 = 97
x = −4 or x = 4 x = − 97 or x = 97
Check Check
((−4 ) )
1/2
x = −4 : +9 =5  1 / 2
2

( )
2
x = − 97 :  − 97 −16 = 9
 
251 / 2= 5
(97 −16) =9
1/2
5 =5
81 = 9
1/2

((4 ) )
1/2
+9 =5
2
x =4 :
9=9
251 / 2= 5  1 / 2
( )
2
x = 97 :  97 −16 = 9
5=5  
The solution set is {-4,4 } . (97 −16)
1/2
=9
811/2 = 9
9=9
The solution set is {- 97, 97 }.

128
 Section 1.4 Radical Equations; Equations Quadratic in Form
29. x 3/2 − 3x1/2 = 0 30. x 3/4 − 9x 1/4 = 0
x 3 / 2 = 3x1/2 x 3/4 = 9x1/4

( x ) = ( 3x )
3/22 1 / 22
( x ) = ( 9x )
3/44 1/44

x 3 = 9x x 3 = 6561x
x 3 − 9x = 0 x 3 − 6561x = 0
x ( x 2 −9) = 0 x ( x 2 −6561) = 0
x = 0 or x = −3 or x = 3 x = 0 or x = −81 or x = 81
Check Check
x = 0 : 03 / 2− 3(01 / 2) = 0 x = 0 : 03 / 4 −9(0)
1/4
=0
0 =0 0 =0
x = - 3 : (-3)
3/2
(
− 3 (−3)
1/2
)=0 x = - 8 1 : (-81)
3/4
(
−9 (−81)
1/4
) =0
( -3) ( -3) ≠ 0 ( ) ( )
3 3
−3 4
-81 −9 4
-81 ≠ 0
x = 3: (3) (
− 3 (3)
3/2
)= 0
1/2
x = 8 1 : (81)
3/4
(
−9 (81) )= 0
1/4

(3)3 / 2− (3)3 / 2= 0 (81)

3/4
(
−9 (81)
1/4
)=0
0=0 27 − 27 = 0
The solution set is {0,3}. 0=0
The solution set is {0,81}.

31. x 4 − 5x2 + 4 = 0 32. x 4 −10x2 + 25 = 0

( x − 4)( x2 −1) = 0
2
( x 2 − 5)( x 2 − 5) = 0
x 2 − 4 = 0 or x 2 −1= 0 x2 − 5 = 0
x = ±2 or x = ±3 x= ± 5

The solution set is {−3,−2,2,3} . The solution set is {− 5, 5}.

33. 3x 4 − 2x2 −1 = 0 34. 2x 4 − 5x2 −12 = 0

(3x 2 + 1)( x2 −1) = 0 (2x 2 + 3)( x2 − 4) = 0
3x2 +1= 0 or x2 −1 = 0 2x2 + 3 = 0 or x2 − 4 = 0
3x2 = −1 which is impossible 2x2 = −3 which is impossible
or or
x = ±1 x = ±2

The solution set is {−1,1}. The solution set is {−2,2}.

129
Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities
35. x 6 + 7x 3 − 8 = 0 36. x 6 − 7x3 −8 = 0
( x 3 + 8)( x3 −1) = 0 ( x 3 − 8)( x 3 +1) = 0
x 3 + 8 = 0 or x3 −1 = 0 x 3 − 8 = 0 or x 3 +1 = 0
x 3 = −8 → x = -2 x3 = 8 → x = 2
or or
x 3 =1→ x = 1 x 3 = −1 → x = −1

The solution set is {−2,1}. The solution set is {−1,2}.

37. ( x + 2)2 + 7( x + 2) + 12 = 0 38. (2x + 5)2 − (2x + 5) − 6 = 0

let p = x + 2 → p2 = ( x + 2) let p = 2x + 5 → p2 = (2x + 5)
2 2

p2 + 7p + 12 = 0 p2 − p − 6 = 0
( p + 3) ( p + 4 ) = 0 ( p − 3) (p + 2) = 0
p + 3 = 0 or p +4 = 0 p − 3 = 0 or p +2 = 0
p = −3 → x + 2 = - 3→ x = - 5 p = 3 → 2x + 5 = 3 → x = -1
or or
p = −4 → x + 2 = −4 → x = −6 7
p = −2 → 2x + 5 = −2 → x = −
The solution set is {−6, −5}. 2
 7 
The solution set is − ,−1.
 2 
39. (3x + 4 )2 −6( 3x + 4) + 9 = 0 40. (2 − x ) 2 + (2 − x ) − 20 = 0
let p = 3x + 4 → p2 = ( 3x + 4) 2 let p = 2 − x → p 2 = (2 − x )
2

p2 −6p + 9 = 0 p2 + p − 20 = 0
( p − 3) (p − 3) = 0 ( p + 5) ( p − 4) = 0
p− 3=0 p + 5 = 0 or p − 4 = 0
1 p = −5 → 2 − x = - 5→ x = 7
p = 3 → 3x + 4 = 3 → x = -
3 or
 1
The solution set is − . p= 4 →2−x = 4 → x = - 2
 3 The solution set is {−2,7}.

130
 Section 1.4 Radical Equations; Equations Quadratic in Form

2(s + 1) − 5( s+1) = 3 3( 1− y ) + 5(1− y ) + 2 = 0

2 2
41. 42.
let p = s +1→ p2 = ( s +1) let p =1− y → p 2 = (1− y )
2 2

2p 2 − 5p = 3 3p 2 + 5 p + 2 = 0
2p 2 − 5p − 3 = 0 (3p + 2) ( p + 1) = 0
(2p +1)( p − 3) = 0 3p + 2 = 0 or p +1 = 0
2p +1 = 0 or p − 3 = 0 2 2 5
p = − →1− y = − → y =
1 1 3 3 3 3
p = − → s+ 1 =− → s = − or
2 2 2
or p = −1→1− y = −1 → y = 2
5 
p = 3 → s +1 =3 → s = 2 The solution set is  ,2.
 3  3 
The solution set is − ,2 .
 2 

43. x − 4x x = 0 44. x +8 x =0
x = 4x x 8 x = −x

( x )2 = ( 4x ) (8 x ) = (−x )
2 2 2
x
x = 16x 2 x 64x = x2
x = 16x 3 0 = x 2 − 64x
0 =16x 3 − x 0 = x( x − 64)
0 = x(16x 2 −1) x = 0 or x = 64
x =0 Check
1 x = 0 :0+8 0 =0
or 16x 2 − 1= 0 → x = ±
4 0= 0
Check
x = 0 : 0 − 4(0) 0 = 0 x = 6 4: 64 + 8 64 = 0
0=0 64 + 6 4≠ 0
1  1  1  1
x = - :  -  − 4 -  - ≠ 0
4  4  4  4 The solution set is {0 }.
1  1  1  1
x = :  − 4  =0
4  4  4  4
 1   1
 − 1 = 0
4   2
1
− ≠0
4
The solution set is {0}.

131
Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities

45. x + x = 20 46. x + x =6
let p = x → p 2 = x let p = x → p 2 = x
p2 + p = 20 p2 + p = 6
p2 + p − 20 = 0 p2 + p − 6 = 0
( p + 5) ( p − 4) = 0 ( p + 3) ( p − 2) = 0
p + 5 = 0 or p − 4 = 0 p + 3 = 0 or p − 2 = 0
p = −5 → x = −5 → x = 25 p = −3 → x = −3 → x = 9
or or
p = 4 → x = 4→ x =16 p = 2 → x = 2→ x = 4

Check Check
x = 2 5 : 25 + 25 = 20 x = 9 :9+ 9 =6
≠ 20
25+5 9+3 ≠ 6

x = 1 6 : 16 + 16 = 20 x = 4 : 4 + 4 =6
16+ 4 = 20 4 + 2= 6

The solution set is {16 }. The solution set is {4 }.

47. t1/2 − 2t1/4 +1= 0 48. z1 / 2− 4t1 / 4 + 4 = 0

let p = t1 / 4 → p 2 = t1/2 let p = z 1/4 → p2 = z1 / 2
p2 − 2p +1 = 0 p2 − 4p + 4 = 0
( p −1) (p − 1) = 0 ( p − 2) (p − 2) = 0
p −1 = 0 p−2 =0
p =1 → t1 / 4 =1 → t =1 p = 2 → z1 / 4 = 2→ z =16

Check Check
t = 1 : 11/2 − 2(1) +1=0 11/26 − 4(16) + 4 =0
1/4 1/4
z =16:
1-2+1=0 4 - 8 + =4 0
0=0 0= 0
The solution set is {1}. The solution set is {16}.

132
 Section 1.4 Radical Equations; Equations Quadratic in Form
49. 4x1/2 −9x 1/4 + 4 = 0
let p = x1 / 4 → p 2 = x1/2
9 ± 81−64 9 ± 17
4p 2 − 9p + 4 = 0 → p = =
8 8
9 ± 17  9 ± 17  4

→ x 1/4 = → x =  
8  8 
Check
 9 + 17 4  4 
1/2
 4 
1/4

 : 4  9 + 17   − 9  9 + 17   + 4 = 0
x =     
 8   8    8  
 9 + 17 2  9 + 17 
4  −9  + 4 = 0
 8   8 

(9 + )
2
17  9 + 17 
4 − 9  + 4 = 0
64  8 

(  9 + 17  
)
2
 9 + 17
644 −9  + 4 = (0)(64)
 64  8  


( ) − 72(9 + 17 ) + 256 = 0
2
4 9 + 17

4( 81+18 17 +17) − 72(9 + 17 ) + 256 = 0

324 + 72 17 + 68 − 648 − 72 17 + 256 = 0

0 =0
 9 − 17 4  4 
1/2
 4 
1/4

 9 − 17   9 − 17 
x =   : 4    
 8   − 9 8   + 4 = 0
 8     
 9 − 17 2  9 − 17 
4
 8 
 − 9
 8 
( ) (
 + 4 = 0 → 4 81− 18 17 +17 − 72 9 − 17 + 256 = 0 )
324 − 72 17 + 68 − 648 + 72 17 + 256 = 0
0 =0
   9 − 17  
( ) ( )
2 2
9 − 17  9 − 17    9 − 17
4 −9  + 4 = 0 → 64  4
 −9  + 4  = (0)(64 )

64  8    64  8  
  
 9 ± 17 
( ) ( )
2
→ 4 9 − 17 − 72 9 − 17 + 256 = 0 → 0 = 0∴ the solution set is  
 8 

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Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities
50. x 1/2 − 3x 1/4 + 2 = 0 51. 4
5x 2 − 6 = x
let p = x1 / 4 → p 2 = x1/2
( )
4
4
5x 2 − 6 = x4
p − 3p + 2 = 0
2

( p − 2) (p − 1) = 0 5x 2 − 6 = x 4

p = 2 → x1 / 4 = 2 → x = 16 0 = x4 − 5x 2 + 6

or p =1 → x1 / 4 = 1→ x = 1 let p = x 2 → p2 = x 4
0 = p 2 − 5p + 6
Check (p − 3)( p − 2) = 0
x =1 6 : 1 16/ 2− 3(16) +2 =0
1/4
p = 3 → x2 = 3 → x = ± 3
4− 6+2= 0
or p = 2 → x2 = 2 → x = ± 2
0 =0 Check
x =1 : 11/2 − 3(1) + 2 =0
1/4

( )
2
x = − 3: 4 5− 3 −6 = − 3
1− 3 + 2 = 0
0=0
4
15 − 6 = − 3
The solution set is {1,16 }. 9≠− 3
4

( 3)
2
x= 3: 4
5 −6 = 3
4
15 − 6 = 3
4
9= 3
3= 3

( )
2
x = − 2: 4
5− 2 −6 = − 2
4
10 − 6 = − 2
4
4≠− 2

( 2)
2
x= 2: 4
5 −6 = 2
4
10 − 6 = 2
4
4= 2
2= 2
The solution set is { 2 , 3}.

134
 Section 1.4 Radical Equations; Equations Quadratic in Form

52. 4
4 − 5x 2 = x Check:

( )
4
4
4 − 5x 2 = x4
−5 + 41
x=± :
4 − 5x = x 2 4
2
0 = x4 + 5x 2 − 4  2
−5 +  = ± −5 + 41
4 − 5±
41
let p = x 2 → p2 = x 4 
4

 2  2
0 = p 2 + 5p − 4
 −5 + 41 
−5 ± 25 +16 −5 ± 41 4 − 5  = ± −5 + 41
p= =
4

2 2  2  2

→ x2 =
−5 ± 41
→x = ±
−5 ± 41 4
(
8 − 5 −5 + 41 )=± −5 + 41
2 2 2 2
but since − 5 − 41 < 0 , 33+ 41 −5 + 41
4 =±
−5 − 41 2 2
x=± is undefined
2 −5 + 41
which is only true when x =
2
or
53. x 2 + 3x + x 2 + 3x = 6
x 2 + 3x = 2 → x 2 + 3x = 4
let p = x 2 + 3x → p 2 = x 2 + 3x → x 2 + 3x − 4 = 0
p2 + p = 6 (x + 4 )( x −1) = 0
p + p−6=0 x = −4 or x = 1
2

(p + 3)( p −2) = 0 Check

p = −3 or p = 2 x = −4 : (-4 ) + 3 (−4 ) +
2
(−4 )
2
+ 3 (−4 ) = 6
→ x + 3x = −3 which is impossible
2
16 − 12 + 16 −12 = 6
since the principal square root is always
16 − 12 + 4 = 6
a non-negative number.
6 =6
x = 1 : (1) + 3( 1) + (1) + 3( 1) = 6
2 2

1+ 3+ 1+ 3 = 6
4+ 4 =6
6=6
The solution set is {−4,1}.

135
Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities

54. x 2 − 3x − x 2 − 3x = 2 1 1
2 = +2
55. ( x +1) x + 1
let p = x − 3x → p = x − 3x
2 2 2
1  1 2
let p = → p =
2

p2 − p = 2 x +1  x +1 
p2 − p −2 = 0 p2 = p + 2
(p + 1)( p −2) = 0 p2 − p − 2 = 0
p = −1 or p = 2 ( p +1) ( p − 2) = 0
p = −1 or p = 2
p = −1→ x 2 − 3x = −1 which is impossible
1
since the principal square root is always p = −1→ = −1 →1 = x- -1 → x = −2
x +1
a non-negative number. or
or 1 1
= 2 → 1 = 2x + 2→ x = −
p = 2 → x − 3x = 2 → x − 3x = 4
2 2
x+1 2
→ x 2 − 3x − 4 = 0
Check
(x − 4)( x + 1) = 0
1 1
x = 4 or x = −1 x = −2 : = +2
( −2 +1) −2 +1
2

Check
1 = −1+ 2
x = 4 : ( 4) − 3(4 ) − ( 4) − 3(4) = 2
2 2
1 =1
16 − 12 − 4 = 2 1
x=− :
1
=
1
+2
4− 2=2 2  1  − 1 +1
2

− +1
2=2  2  2
4 = 2+2
x = −1: (-1)2 − 3( −1) − (−1)2 − 3(−1) = 2 4=4
1+ 3− 4 = 2
 1
4− 2=2 The solution set is −2, − .
The solution set is {−1,4 }.  2

136
 Section 1.4 Radical Equations; Equations Quadratic in Form
1 1
2 + = 12
56. ( x −1) x − 1
1  1 2
let p = → p =
2
 Check
x −1  x −1 
1 1
p2 + p =12 x =0 : + =12
(0 − 1) 0 −1
2

p2 + p − 12 = 0
1− 1≠12
( p + 4) ( p − 3) = 0 4 1 1
p = −4 or p = 3 x= : 2 + =12
3 4  4
 −1 −1
p = −4 →
1
= −4 3  3
x −1 9 + 3 =12
→1 = - x4 +1→ 4x = 0
12 = 12
→ x=0  4
The solution set is  .
or  3
1 4
= 3 → 1 = x3 − 3 → x =
x−1 3

57. 3x −2 − 7x− 1 − 6 = 0
let p = x −1 → p2 = x− 2
Check
3p 2 − 7 p −6 = 0
3  3  3− 1
−2
(3p + 2) ( p − 3) = 0 x = − : 3 −  − 7−  −6 = 0
2  2  2
2
p= − or p = 3  4  2 
3 3  − 7 −  − 6 = 0
2 2  9  3
p = − → x −1 = − → ( x −1)
−1

3 3 4 14
+ −6 = 0
 2−1
3 3 3
= −  → x = − 6−6= 0
 3 2
or 0 =0
1 1  1 − 2  1 − 1
p = 3 → x = 3 → (x )
−1 −1 x= : 3  − 7  − 6 = 0
= ( 3)
−1 −1
→ x=
3 3  3 3 
3(9) − 7(3) − 6 = 0
27 − 21−6 = 0
6− 6=0
0=0
 3 1
The solution set is − , .
 2 3

137
Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities
58. 2x −2 − 3x− 1 − 4 = 0 Check
4
let p = x −1 → p2 = x− 2 x= :
3 + 41
2p 2 − 3p − 4 = 0  4 − 2  4 −1
2  − 3  −4 = 0
3± 9 + 32 3± 41  3+ 41   3 + 41 
p= =
4 4
(3 + )
2
41  3+ 41 
p=
3+ 41
→ x −1 =
3+ 41 2 − 3  − 4 = 0
4 4
16  4 

→ ( x −1) = 
−1
 3+ 41  −1

 → x = 4 
(16)2
(
 9 + 6 41 + 41
− 3
)
 3+ 41  
 − 4 = (0)(16)

 4  3+ 41  16  4  
or
3− 41 3 − 41 ( ) (
2 9 + 6 41 + 41 −12 3+ 41 −64 = 0 )
p= → x −1 =
4 4 18 +12 41 + 82 − 36 −12 41 −64 = 0
 3− 41  −1
0 =0
→ ( x −1) =   → x = 4
−1

 4  3 − 41

x=
4
: ( ) ( )
2 9 −6 41 + 41 − 12 3 − 41 −64 = 0
3 − 41
18 −12 41 + 82 − 36 +12 41 −64 = 0
−2 −1 
 4   4   0 =0
2  − 3  −4 = 0 
 3− 41   3− 41  
  4 4 
( ) The solution set is  
2
3 − 41  3 − 41   ,
   3 − 41 3+ 41 
2 − 3 − 4 = 0 →
16  4  


(16)2
(
 9 − 6 41 + 41
)  3 − 41   

 − 4  = (0)(16)
− 3 
 16  4   

138
 Section 1.4 Radical Equations; Equations Quadratic in Form
59. 2x 2 / 3− 5x1/3 − 3 = 0 Check
let p = x1 / 3→ p = x 2 / 3 1  1
2/3
 1 1 / 3
x = − : 2 −  − 5−  − 3 = 0
2p 2 − 5p − 3 = 0 8  8  8
(2p + 1)( p − 3) = 0  1  1
2  − 5 −  − 3 = 0
1  4  2
p= − or p = 3
2 1 5
+ −3= 0
1 1 2 2
p = − → x 1/3 = −
2 2 3− 3 = 0
 1 3
0 =0
→ ( x1/3 ) =  −  → x = −
3 1
 2 8 x = 2 7 : (2 7)
2/3
−5(27) − 3=0
1/3

or
2(9) − 5( 3) − 3 = 0
= 3 → (x ) = (3)
3
p= 3→ x 1/3 1/3 3
18 − 15 − 3 = 0
→ x = 27 3− 3 = 0
0 =0
 1 
The solution set is − ,27 .
 8 

60. 3x 4 / 3 + 5x 2 / 3− 2 = 0  1 3 / 2
→ x 2 / 3 = → ( x 2 / 3) =  
1 1 3/2
p=
3 3 3
let p = x 2 / 3→ p = x4 / 3
or
3p 2 + 5 p2 −2 = 0 
 p = −2 → x 2 / 3= −2 → ( x 2/3 ) = (−2)
3/2 3/2

(3p −1) (p + 2) = 0 →
 which is impossible
1 
p= or p = −2 
3 

Check
 1 3 / 2  3 5
 + −2= 0
x =  : 9 3
3  
 1 5
+ −2= 0
  1 3 / 2 4 / 3  1 3 / 2 2/3  3 3
3   + 5   −2 = 0 →
 3    3    2−2= 0
 0 =0
 1 2  1    1 3 
/ 2
3  + 5 − 2 = 0 
 3  3  The solution set is   .
 3  

139
Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities

 v 2 2v Check
  + =8  4
61.  v + 1 v +1  4 
2

 −  2 − 
v  v 2 4
v=− : 5  +  5 =8
let p = → p2 =   5  − 4 +1  4 
v +1  v + 1
 5  − 5  + 1
 v 2 2v
  + =8 16   8 
 v + 1 v +1   − 
 25   5 
→
 v 2  v   1  + 1 = 8
 + 2 = 8    
 v +1   v +1   25   5 
p2 + 2p = 8 16 − 8 = 8
p2 + 2p −8 = 0 8=8
( p + 4) ( p − 2) = 0  −2 2 2 (−2)
v = −2 :   + =8
p = −4 or p = 2  −2 +1  ( −2) + 1
v 4+ 4 =8
p = −4 → = −4
v +1 8=8
4  4 
→ v = −4v − 4 → v = − The solution set is  − ,−2  .
5  5 
or
v
p=2 → =2
v +1
→ v = 2v + 2 → v = −2

 y 2  y  y 1
p = −1→ = −1→ y = −y + 1 → y =
  = 6  + 7 y−1 2
62.  y − 1  y − 1
y  y 2  or
let p = → p = 
2
  y 7
y −1  y − 1  → p= 7→ = 7 → y = 7y − 7 → y =
 y −1 6
p2 = 6p + 7 

Check  7 2  7 
   
 1 2  1  y= :
7  6 
=6  6 + 7
1     6  7 −1 7 
y = :  2  = 6 2  + 7 6 
 −1
6 
2  1 −1 1 
 −1
2  2   49    7  
   
1  1   36    6  
    
4  2    1  = 6  1   + 7
   
 1  = 6  1  + 7  36    6  
   −  
 4    2  49 = 42 + 7
1 = 6(−1) + 7 49 = 49
 1 7
1=1 The solution set is  ,  .
 2 6

140
 Section 1.4 Radical Equations; Equations Quadratic in Form
63. x − 4x 1/2 + 2 = 0 Check
 4 + 8 2  4 + 8 2  4 + 8 
let p = x → p =x x =   :   − 4  + 2 = 0
1/2 2 2

 2   2   2 
p2 − 4p + 2 = 0
16 + 8 8 + 8 4 + 8 
4 ± 16 − 8 4 ± 8 − 4  + 2 = 0
p= = 4  2 
2 2

p=
4+ 8
→ x1/2 =
4+ 8 (
4+2 8 +2− 2 4+ 8 +2= 0)
2 2
4 + 2 8 + 2 − 8 −2 8 + 2 = 0
4 + 8  2
 4 + 8 2
→ ( x ) = 
1/2 2  → x =   0 =0
 2   2   4 − 8 2  4 − 8 2  4 − 8 
or x =   :   − 4  + 2 = 0
 2   2   2 
4− 8 4− 8 4 − 8 
p= → x 1/2 = 16 − 8 8 + 8
2 2 − 4  + 2 = 0
4 − 8  2
 4 − 8 2
4  2 
→ (x ) =  
 → x =  2  ( )
1/2 2
4−2 8 +2−2 4 − 8 +2= 0
 2   
4−2 8 +2−8+2 8 +2 = 0
0 =0

The solution set is

 2
 4 + 8   4 − 8  
2

  ,   → {11.66,0.34} .
 2   2  

141
Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities
64. x 2/3 + 4x 1/3 + 2 = 0 Check
 −4 + 8 3
let p = x x =   :
1/3

 2 
p2 + 4 p + 2 = 0
 3 
2/3
 3 
1/3
−4 ± 16 − 8 −4 ± 8  −4 + 8   + 4 −4 + 8   + 2 = 0
p= =  2  
2 2    2  
−4 + 8 −4 + 8
p= → x1/3 =  −4 + 8 2  
2 2   + 4−4 + 8  + 2 = 0
 −4 + 8  3
 −4 + 8 3  2   2 
→ ( x ) = 
1/3 3  → x =   16 − 8 8 + 8 
 2   2  
 4
( )
 + 2 −4 + 8 + 2 = 0

or

p=
−4 − 8
→ x 1/3 =
−4 − 8 ( )
4 − 2 8 + 2 + 2 −4 + 8 + 2 = 0
2 2 4−2 8 +2−8+2 8 +2 = 0
 −4 − 8  3
 −4 − 8 3 0 =0
→ (x ) =  
 → x =  
1/3 3

 2   2   −4 − 8 3
x =   :
 2 
 3 
2/3
 3 
1/3

 −4 − 8    −4 − 8  
 2   + 4  2   + 2 = 0
     
 −4 − 8 2  
  + 4 −4 − 8  + 2 = 0
 2   2 
16 + 8 8 + 8 

 4
( )
 + 2 −4 − 8 + 2 = 0

( )
4 + 2 8 + 2 + 2 −4 − 8 + 2 = 0

4 + 2 8 + 2 − 8 −2 8 + 2 = 0
0 =0
 −4 + 8   −4 − 8  
3 3

  , 
The solution set is  2   2  

→ {−0.20, −39.80}

142
 Section 1.4 Radical Equations; Equations Quadratic in Form
65. 18− 2 45   −3+ 45 
 + − 3 = 0
x 4 + 3x 2 − 3 = 0    
 4   2 
let p = x 2 → p2 = x 4  9− 45   −3+ 45 
p2 + 3p − 3 = 0   +   − 3 = 0
 2   2 
− 3 ± 3 + 12 − 3 ± 15  9− 45 − 3+ 45 
p= =  − 3 = 0
2 2  
 2 
− 3 + 15
p= 3− 3 = 0
2
0= 0
− 3 + 15 − 3 + 15
→ x2 = →x= ±
2 2
or − 3 + 15
x=− :
− 3 − 15 2
p=
2  4  2
 − 3 + 15  + 3 − − 3 + 15  −3=0
− 3 − 15 −   
→ x2 = →  2   2 
2
− 3 + 15 2  
− 3 − 15   + 3 − 3 + 15  − 3 = 0
x=±
2  2   2 
− 3 − 15
<0 ( )
 3− 2 3 15 +15   3 − 3 + 3 15 

which is impossible since  + 
2  − 3 = 0
.  4   2 
Check 18 − 2 45   −3+ 45 
− 3 + 15   +   − 3 = 0
 4   2 
x= :
2  9 − 45   −3 + 45 

 4  2  +   − 3 = 0
 − 3 + 15   − 3 + 15  −3=0  2   2 
 2  + 3 2   9 − 45 − 3+ 45 
   
  − 3 = 0
− 3 + 15 2    2 
  + 3 − 3 + 15  − 3 = 0
 2   2  3− 3 = 0
0 =0
( )
 3− 2 3 15 +15   3 − 3 + 3 15 
  +   − 3 = 0
 4   2  The solution set is
 − 3 + 15 
− 3 + 15 
 ,− 
 2 2 
→ {1.04,−1.04 }

143
Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities

66. x 4 + 2x 2 − 2 = 0 − 2 + 10
x=− :
2
let p = x 2 → p2 = x 4
 4  2
p2 + 2p − 2 = 0  − 2 + 10  + 2 − − 2 + 10  −2 = 0
− 2   2 
− 2 ± 2 + 8 − 2 ± 10    
p= =
− 2 + 10 2  
 + 2 − 2 + 10  − 2 = 0
2 2

− 2 + 10  2   2 
p=
2
( )
 2 − 2 2 10 +10   2 − 2 + 2 10 

− 2 + 10 − 2 + 10  + 
→x = →x= ±  − 2 = 0
 
2
 4 2 
2 2
or 12 − 2 20   −2 + 20 
− 2 − 10   +   − 2 = 0
− 2 − 10  4   2 
p= → x2 =
2 2  6 − 20   −2 + 20 
  +   − 2 = 0
− 2 − 10  2   2 
→x = ±
2  6 − 20 − 2 + 20 

− 2 − 10  − 2 = 0
which is impossible since <0  2 
2
Check 2−2= 0
0 =0
− 2 + 10
x= :
2 The solution set is
 4  2
 − 2 + 10   − 2 + 10  −2 = 0
 − 2 + 10 
 2  + 2 2  
− 2 + 10 

    ,−
 2 2 
− 2 + 10 2  
  + 2 − 2 + 10  − 2 = 0 → {0.94,−0.94 }

 2   2 

( )
 2 − 2 2 10 +10   2 − 2 + 2 10 
  +
 − 2 = 0
 4   2 
12 − 2 20   −2 + 20 
  +   − 2 = 0
 4   2 
 6 − 20   −2 + 20 
  +   − 2 = 0
 2   2 
 6 − 20 − 2 + 20 
  − 2 = 0
 2 
2−2= 0
0 =0

144
 Section 1.4 Radical Equations; Equations Quadratic in Form

67. (1+ t) 2 = +1+ t 1− 1+ 4 2

t = −1+ :
2
let p =1+ t → p2 = (1+ t)
2
1− 1+ 4 2 2 2
  = + 1− 1+ 4
p2 = + p → p2 − p − =0  
 2  2
1− 2 1+ 4 2 +1+ 4 2 
2
1± 1+ 4
p=   = + 1− 1+ 4
2
2  2 
2  4  2
1± 1+ 4
→1+ t =
2 − 2 1+ 4 +4 + 1− 1+ 4
2 2 2 2
2 2
=
1± 1+ 4 2 4 2
→ t = −1+
2 1− 1+ 4 2
+2 2
2 2
+ 1− 1+ 4 2
=
1± 1+ 4 2 2 2
t = −1+ 0 =0
2
Check
The solution set is
 
2
1+ 1+ 4 1+ 1+ 4 2 2
t = −1+ : −1+ ,−1+
1− 1+ 4

2  2 2 
 2 
2
2
 1+ 1+ 4  = + 1+ 1+ 4 → {0.17,−1.85 }
 2  2
 
1+ 2 1+ 4 2 +1+ 4 2  2
  = + 1+ 1+ 4
 4 2  2
 
2 + 2 1+ 4 +4 + 1+ 1+ 4
2 2 2 2
2
=
4 2
+2 + 1+ 1+ 4
2 2 2 2
1+ 1+ 4 2
=
2 2
0 =0

68. (1+ r) 2 = 2 + (1+ r ) p=

± 2
+8
→1+ r =
± 2
+8
2 2
let p =1+ r → p = (1+ r) 2 2

p2 = 2 + p → p2 − p −2 = 0  ± 2
+8
 r = −1+
± 2
+8 → 2
p= 
2 

145
Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities
Check − 2
+8
r = −1+ :
+ 2
+8 2
r = −1+ :
2  − 2  

2
+ 8  =2+  −
2
+8 
 + + 8   + 2
    

2

2
+8   2   2 
  = 2 +  
     2− 2 + 8 + 2 + 8   + 8 
2 2

2
 − 2

 2    = 2 +  
 +2 + 8 + 2+ 8 
2 2
 4   2 
 4 2 
  2 2
−2 2
+8 +8 − 2
+8
 + =2+
+ 8 
2
4 2
= 2 + 
2  − 2
+8 +4 4+ − 2
+8
  =
2 2
+2 +8 +8 + +8
2 2 2
2
=2+ 0 =0
4 2
+ +8 + 4 4 + + +8 The solution set is
2 2
=
2 2  + 2
+8 − + 8 
2
−1+ ,−1+ 
0 =0  2 2 
→ {0.44,−1.44 }

69. k 2 − k = 12 → k 2 − k − 12 = 0 70. k 2 − 3k = 28 → k 2 − 3k − 28 = 0
(k − 4 )(k + 3) = 0
k = 4 or k = −3 (k + 4)( k − 7) = 0
x+3 k = −4 or k = 7
→ =4
x−3 x+3
→ = −4
→ x + 3 = 4x −12 → x =15 x−4
13
or → x + 3 = −4 x +16 → x =
5
x+3
= −3 or
x−3
x+3
→ x + 3 = −3x + 9 → x =
3 =7
2 x −4
31
→ x + 3 = 7x −28 → x =
and since neither of these x values causes 6
a denominator to equal zero, the solution and since neither of these x values causes a denominator to
3  13 31
set is  ,15 . equal zero, the solution set is  ,  .
2  5 6

146
 Section 1.4 Radical Equations; Equations Quadratic in Form

71. Graph the equations and to find the x-coordinate of the points of intersection:
5

0 300
0
The distance to the water's surface is approximately 229.94 feet.

72. Answers will vary, one example is x +1 = −1

73. Answers will vary, one example is x − x −2 = 0

74. The step that leads to the possibility of extraneous solutions is the step in which each
side of the equation is raised to whatever power is needed to remove the radical. In
particular, raising both side of an equation to an even power has the potential of
introducing a negative value that does not occur in the original equation.
This possibility does not arise when solving linear or quadratic equations because
these equation can be solved by using basic arithmetic and / or factoring, which will not
introduce extra negative values.

147