SAT Math

Category - Algebra and Functions

What is the square of the solution of √(7 − x) = − 5 − x?
  1. - 9
  2. - 2
  3. 4
  4. 9
  5. 81
Explanation
Answer: E - The square of the solution of the equation is − 9. The arithmetic root must be greater or equal to zero.
− 5 − x≥0
5 + x≤0
x≤ − 5
Solve equation for x.
√(7 − x) = − 5 − x
(√(7 − x))^2 = ( − 5 − x)^2
7 − x = 25 + 10x + x^2
x^2 + 10x + x + 25 − 7 = 0
x^2 + 11x + 18 = 0
x^2 + 11x + 18 = x^2 + 9x + 2x + 18 = x(x + 9) + 2(x + 9) = (x + 9)(x + 2)
(x + 9)(x + 2) = 0
x = − 9 T
x = − 2 ⊥
x^2 = ( − 9)^2 = 81
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