Solve for x (x+4)^2=144

Problem

(x+4)2=144

Solution

1. Apply the square root property to both sides of the equation to eliminate the exponent.

√(,(x+4)2)=±√(,144)

2. Simplify the square roots, remembering to include both the positive and negative roots of 144.

x+4=±12

3. Set up two separate equations to solve for the two possible values of x

x+4=12

x+4=−12

4. Isolate x in the first equation by subtracting 4 from both sides.

x=12−4

x=8

5. Isolate x in the second equation by subtracting 4 from both sides.

x=−12−4

x=−16

Final Answer

x=8,−16

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