Pearson Geometry Common Core, 2011
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Pearson Geometry Common Core, 2011 View details
9. Proofs Using Coordinate Geometry
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Exercise 38 Page 418

Consider the positive and negative solutions when isolating a variable raised to the power of two.

8 and - 8

Practice makes perfect
We will solve the given equation by taking the square roots. Remember to consider the positive and negative solutions.
r^2-3 = 61
r^2 = 64
sqrt(r^2)=sqrt(64)

sqrt(a^2)=± a

r=±sqrt(64)
r=± 8
We found that r=± 8. Thus, there are two solutions for the equation, which are r= 8 and r= - 8.

Checking Our Answer

Checking our answer
We can check our answers by substituting them for r in the given equation. Let's start with r=- 8.
r^2-3=61
( - 8)^2-3? =61
â–Ľ
Simplify
8^2-3? =61
64-3? =61
61=61 âś“
Since 61=61, we know that r=- 8 is a solution of the equation. Let's check if r=8 is also a solution.
r^2-3=61
8^2-3? =61
â–Ľ
Simplify
64-3? =61
61=61 âś“
Again, since 61=61, we know that r=8 is a solution of the equation.