Question

what do you need to do first to solve the square root of x plus the square root of x - 5 = 5

Answer 1

So your equation is:
\[\sqrt{x} + \sqrt{x - 5} = 5\]

Answer 2

You need to square both sides. The first operation is quite tedious and kind of difficult, but it will eliminate the radicals.

Answer 3

Or, is it:
\[\sqrt{x} + \sqrt{x} - 5 = 5\]

Answer 4

Wait a mo, it might not be the first equation. It depends on which one it is.

Answer 5

You are correct; I just went with what I thought it was in my own mind! So...which one is it?!

Answer 6

If it's:
\[\sqrt{x} + \sqrt{x - 5} = 5\]
Then square both sides like so:
\[x + x - 5 = 25\]
Then you can solve for x.

If it's:
\[\sqrt{x} + \sqrt{x} - 5 = 5\]
Then add 5 to both sides to get x by itself.
\[\sqrt{x} + \sqrt{x} = 10\]

Then you can square both sides and solve for x.

Answer 7

@jcpd910 your first step doesn't work that way. \[\large (a+b)^2 \ne a^2 + b^2\]

You'll probably have to square both sides twice.

Answer 8

Your first step up above is incorrect, jcpd910. You do not end up with that at all.

Answer 9

Woops. o_o