Solving Radical Equations

• solve simple radical equations in one variable.

• give examples of simple radical equations showing how extraneous solutions may arise.

​Learning Targets

A radical expression is an equation that has a variable in a radicand or has a variable with a radical expression

STEP 1: Isolate the radical on one side of the equation (if possible)

STEP 2: Raise each side of the equation to a power equal to the index of the radical to eliminate the radical

STEP 3: Solve the remaining polynomial equation. CHECK YOUR RESULTS.

​Note:

When we use a radical sign, it indicates the principal or positive root. If an equation has a radical with an even index equal to a negative number, that equation will have no solution.