Question

Create a list of steps, in order, that will solve the following equation.

\[\dfrac{1}{4}(x+5)^2-1=3\]
Solution steps:

Answer 1

1. Add 1 to both sides: (1/4)(x+5)^2 = 4.
2. Multiply both sides by 4: (x+5)^2 = 16.
3. Take square roots: x+5 = ±4.
4. Solve each case: x+5 = 4 ⇒ x = -1; and x+5 = -4 ⇒ x = -9.
5. Check: For x = -1, (1/4)(-1+5)^2 -1 = (1/4)(16)-1 = 4-1 = 3. For x = -9, (1/4)(-9+5)^2 -1 = (1/4)(16)-1 = 3.

Solutions: x = -1 or x = -9.