Question

Using complete sentences, explain the strategy used in solving this equation

Answer 1

To get rid of the square root on the right hand side of the equation, square the 25 on the left. This now leaves you with 625 = 5^(2x+6). To find x we need to make the base numbers the same. So 625 is the same as 5^4. Your equation is now 5^4 = 5^(2x+6). Now that the base numbers are the same we can just focus on the powers, which is 4 = 2x+6. This is a simple algebraic equation I'm sure you'll have no problem solving :)