Question

Can someone please show me how to do this?? Create an equation that results in at least one extraneous solution. Work through your equation, justify each step, and explain how the solution is extraneous.

Answer 1

One type of equation that often gives extraneous solutions is one that contains absolute value. You could get a solution where the absolute value equals a negative number, etc.

Answer 2

Can you show me an example??

Answer 3

simplest would be |x|=-1, absolute value is always positive, so any solution you come up with wouldn't work. It's a pretty boring example though, and probably wouldn't show what that question is after.

Answer 4

K well thanks.

Answer 5

Play around with it. If you have an algebra textbook handy, you can probably find good examples to model after.

Answer 6

This page shows examples with rational and radical equations, which are also good candidates for extraneous solutions. http://hotmath.com/hotmath_help/topics/extraneous-solutions.html