Question

Which statement describes how to solve mc015-1.jpg?
Square both sides once and then solve the resulting linear equation.
Square both sides once and then solve the resulting quadratic equation.
Square both sides twice and then solve the resulting linear equation.
Square both sides twice and then solve the resulting quadratic equati

Answer 1

I can’t see mc015-1.jpg — could you paste the equation text or re-upload the image?

Meanwhile, here are quick rules to pick the correct choice yourself:

- If the equation has a single square root and the other side is a constant, squaring once usually gives a linear equation (example: sqrt(x+1)=3 → x+1=9 → linear). That matches option 1.
- If the equation has a single square root and the other side is an expression containing the variable (e.g. a linear expression), squaring once usually produces a quadratic (example: sqrt(x+3)=2x−1 → square once → quadratic). That matches option 2.
- If the equation has two separate square-root terms (or you isolate one root and squaring leaves another root), you typically must square twice; that process usually produces a quadratic. Example: sqrt(x+1)+sqrt(x−3)=4 → isolate and square once leaves another radical, square again → quadratic. That matches option 4.
- It’s possible but less common that squaring twice yields a linear result (option 3); whether that happens depends on the specific expressions.

Also remember to check any solutions in the original equation for extraneous roots.

If you paste the equation, I’ll tell you exactly which option is correct and show the steps.