Question

You are given a pair of equations, one representing a supply curve and the other representing a demand curve, where p is the unit price for x items.

−p+0.0208333333333333x+2=0

and

p = √(57-x)


What is the market equilibrium for x?


I know I'm supposed to set both equations equal to each other, but I'm having trouble solving for x because of the radical sign.

Answer 1

Eh? Remember your Algebra I?

-√(57-x) + 0.02083x + 2 = 0
-√(57-x) = -0.02083x - 2
57-x = (-0.02083x - 2)^2
now just expand, solve for x as usual, and watch out for extraneous solutions.

Answer 2

I tried and got 3.371880575, but I think I'm still wrong...