Use the rules of equations and inverse operations to solve the equation. In your final answer, include all of your work.

4-x^2=-16

1 answer

To solve the equation \( 4 - x^2 = -16 \), we will follow the steps using algebraic operations.

Step 1: Isolate the term with \( x^2 \)

Start by moving 4 to the right side of the equation.

\[ 4 - x^2 = -16 \]

Subtracting 4 from both sides:

\[ -x^2 = -16 - 4 \]

This simplifies to:

\[ -x^2 = -20 \]

Step 2: Multiply both sides by -1

To eliminate the negative sign in front of \( x^2 \), multiply both sides of the equation by -1:

\[ x^2 = 20 \]

Step 3: Solve for \( x \) by taking the square root

To solve for \( x \), take the square root of both sides. Remember, taking the square root of a number gives both a positive and negative solution.

\[ x = \pm \sqrt{20} \]

Step 4: Simplify \( \sqrt{20} \)

Now, simplify \( \sqrt{20} \):

\[ \sqrt{20} = \sqrt{4 \times 5} = \sqrt{4} \times \sqrt{5} = 2\sqrt{5} \]

Step 5: Write the final solutions

Now, incorporate the positive and negative solutions:

\[ x = \pm 2\sqrt{5} \]

Thus, the final answer is:

\[ x = 2\sqrt{5} \quad \text{or} \quad x = -2\sqrt{5} \]

These are the solutions to the equation \( 4 - x^2 = -16 \).