Question

Solve for x.

3x2 – 12 = 0

Answer 1

first step is to get 3x^2 by itself so we do:
3x^2-12+12=0+12
3x^2=12
do you know the next step?

Answer 2

no, sorry

Answer 3

no problem, ok so we take 3x^2=12 and divide both sides by 3
3x^2/3=12/3
x^2=4
now we find the square root of x
sqrt(x^2)= sqrt(4)
x=2

Answer 4

do you get how i got x=2?

Answer 5

i think so, you got the square root of 4?

Answer 6

correct :)
so when dividing 3x^2 by 3 you eliminate the constant (3) and are left with x^2
general rule is what you do to one side of the equation you also need to do to the other which is why i divided 12 by 3. once you divide 12/3 you are left with x^2=4 and by taking the square root we get x=2

Answer 7

i see

Answer 8

so whats next?

Answer 9

finding that x=2 is your last step

Answer 10

ok

Answer 11

thank you!

Answer 12

sure :)