Radical Equation Without Constant

In summary, the conversation discusses solving for all real number t values in the equation sqrt{2t + 5} - sqrt{8t + 25} + sqrt{2t + 8} = 0. The participants discuss rewriting the equation and squaring both sides to eliminate the radicals. They also mention the need to apply the process twice and focus on one term at a time.
  • #1
mathdad
1,283
1
Solve for all real number t values.

sqrt {2t + 5} - sqrt {8t + 25} + sqrt {2t + 8} = 0

I see there are no constants in this problem. I typically isolate the radical on one side of the equation and the constant (s) on the other side but there are 3 radicals on the left side. This is strange.

Can someone get me started?
 
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  • #2
Rewrite as $\sqrt{2t+5}+\sqrt{2t+8}=\sqrt{8t+25}$. What do you get when you square both sides?
 
  • #3
greg1313 said:
Rewrite as $\sqrt{2t+5}+\sqrt{2t+8}=\sqrt{8t+25}$. What do you get when you square both sides?

I had no idea that it is legal to move one radical over to the other side. When I square both sides, the radicals go away.
 
  • #4
RTCNTC said:
I had no idea that it is legal to move one radical over to the other side. When I square both sides, the radicals go away.
At a guess you are forgetting about the cross term. \(\displaystyle (a + b)^2 \neq a^2 + b^2\). It is \(\displaystyle (a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2\). You are going to end up having to apply getting rid of the radicals two times. For each one you pick a term and put it on the RHS. Then square it.

-Dan
 
  • #5
Very good. I will work on this later.
 

FAQ: Radical Equation Without Constant

1. What is a radical equation without a constant term?

A radical equation without a constant term is an equation that contains a radical (square root, cube root, etc.) but does not have a constant term (a number without a variable). These equations typically involve variables inside the radical, and may also have variables outside the radical.

2. How do you solve a radical equation without a constant?

To solve a radical equation without a constant, you need to isolate the radical on one side of the equation and then square both sides to eliminate the radical. This will result in a new equation that you can solve for the variable. However, it's important to check your solution, as sometimes extraneous solutions may arise.

3. What are some common mistakes when solving radical equations without a constant?

One common mistake is forgetting to square both sides of the equation after isolating the radical. Another mistake is forgetting to check for extraneous solutions. It's also important to be careful when simplifying radicals, as it's easy to make errors with complex expressions.

4. Can a radical equation without a constant have multiple solutions?

Yes, a radical equation without a constant can have multiple solutions. This is because when you square both sides of the equation, you may introduce extraneous solutions. It's important to check your solutions and eliminate any that do not satisfy the original equation.

5. How is solving a radical equation without a constant different from solving a regular equation?

The main difference is that when solving a radical equation without a constant, you need to isolate the radical and then square both sides of the equation. This step is not necessary when solving a regular equation. Additionally, when solving a radical equation without a constant, you need to be aware of potential extraneous solutions that may arise.

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