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Why?

(2x3)2=9 (2x-3)^2 =9 .

Simple enough, I managed to deduce that x=3 x=3 .

What I don't understand, however, is how x x can also equal 0 0 in this instance, because if 2x3=3 2x-3=3 , and x=0 x=0 , that's 2(0)3 2(0) -3 , which seems to equal 3 -3 , rather than 3 3

Could someone explain how x x could be 0 0 in this instance?
Original post by Illidan2
(2x3)2=9 (2x-3)^2 =9 .

Simple enough, I managed to deduce that x=3 x=3 .

What I don't understand, however, is how x x can also equal 0 0 in this instance, because if 2x3=3 2x-3=3 , and x=0 x=0 , that's 2(0)3 2(0) -3 , which seems to equal 3 -3 , rather than 3 3

Could someone explain how x x could be 0 0 in this instance?


when you square root both sides you get 2x-3 = +/- 3
Reply 2
Ahh yes. Of course. I always seem to overlook that. I must remember that the square root may also be the negative variant. Thank you. :smile:
Original post by Illidan2
Ahh yes. Of course. I always seem to overlook that. I must remember that the square root may also be the negative variant. Thank you. :smile:


One thing, x2=xx \sqrt{x^2} = |x| \neq -x unless x<0.
|x| just means the positive value.
So 9=3 \sqrt{9} = 3, however -3 is a solution to the equation.

This is important, because in later questions, you can't just square root a value and say it is equal to 2 different values.
(edited 6 years ago)

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