Solving Equations: sqrt(3n - 2) + 6 = 10

jramirez23

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Jan 23, 2008
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I have attempted to solve this equation but I get n=22, which is wrong:

?(3n - 2) + 6 = 10

I know that the answer is n = 6, but my work does not reflect but instead I get that n = 22. I have already tried squaring both sides of the equation in order to get rid of the square root sign. I need someone to help me get the answer.
 
Re: Solving Equations

how are you getting 22 ?

show your work so we can fix the problem.
 
Re: Solving Equations

Did yu move the 6 to the right side before squaring?
 
Re: Solving Equations

I just found out the reason of my error: it is because I remembered that you have to move the 6 to the other side of the equation before squaring. I found this thanks to Loren.
 
Do you know why it is best to move the 6 to the other side of the equation? I rather suspect that when you squared ?(3n - 2) + 6 you got (3n-2) + 36. If that is what you got, you were wrong. You had better investigate further. Why is that wrong?
 
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