Posted by Subhotosh Khan on September 05, 2002 at 08:15:56:
In Reply to: Re: Before I can help you - I need to know what did you try..(n/t) posted by julie on September 04, 2002 at 20:01:08:
: : :In response to what I tried:
: I tried squaring both sides of the equation. However, I do not know what the sqrt(x) times the sqrt (x-a) equals. Am i approaching this right? I could use any help you're willing to give. Thanks.
: Can you help with this project:
: : : Given that a is a positive real number, solve the following equation for x:
: : : sqrt x + sqrt(x-a) = 2
: : : Do this algebraically. Be sure to check your answer
: : : for various specific values of a. Note any points of intersection.
*******************************************
You are correct in thinking that you have to square sides to get the solution. Here it goes:
sqrt x + sqrt(x-a) = 2
sqrt x = 2 - sqrt(x-a) [Now square both sides]
x = 4 + (x-a) - 4*sqrt(x-a)
x -4 - (x-a) = - 4*sqrt(x-a)
-4 + a = - 4*sqrt(x-a)[Now square again]
16 + a^2 - 8a = 16(x-a)
Now you can do the rest.......