For the quadratic equation (x - 7)^2 = 11, complete the table by testing each of the given values to determine whether it is a solution. Identify the two solutions to the quadratic equation.

The smaller of the two solutions is x = ?
The larger of the two solutions is x = ?

1 answer

To solve the quadratic equation \((x - 7)^2 = 11\), we start by taking the square root of both sides:

\[ x - 7 = \pm \sqrt{11} \]

This gives us two cases to consider:

  1. \(x - 7 = \sqrt{11}\)
  2. \(x - 7 = -\sqrt{11}\)

Solving for \(x\):

  1. From \(x - 7 = \sqrt{11}\): \[ x = 7 + \sqrt{11} \]

  2. From \(x - 7 = -\sqrt{11}\): \[ x = 7 - \sqrt{11} \]

Identifying the solutions:

The smaller solution is \(x = 7 - \sqrt{11}\), and the larger solution is \(x = 7 + \sqrt{11}\).

Approximate values of the solutions:

To approximate these values using \(\sqrt{11} \approx 3.32\):

  • Smaller solution: \[ x = 7 - \sqrt{11} \approx 7 - 3.32 \approx 3.68 \]

  • Larger solution: \[ x = 7 + \sqrt{11} \approx 7 + 3.32 \approx 10.32 \]

Final Answer:

  • The smaller of the two solutions is \(x = 7 - \sqrt{11}\).
  • The larger of the two solutions is \(x = 7 + \sqrt{11}\).

In summary:

  • The smaller of the two solutions is \(x = 7 - \sqrt{11}\).
  • The larger of the two solutions is \(x = 7 + \sqrt{11}\).