Answer:
x = sqrt(17) - 1 or x = -1 - sqrt(17)
Step-by-step explanation:
Solve for x:
x^2 + 2 x + 1 = 17
Hint: | Factor the left hand side.
Write the left hand side as a square:
(x + 1)^2 = 17
Hint: | Eliminate the exponent on the left hand side.
Take the square root of both sides:
x + 1 = sqrt(17) or x + 1 = -sqrt(17)
Hint: | Look at the first equation: Solve for x.
Subtract 1 from both sides:
x = sqrt(17) - 1 or x + 1 = -sqrt(17)
Hint: | Look at the second equation: Solve for x.
Subtract 1 from both sides:
Answer: x = sqrt(17) - 1 or x = -1 - sqrt(17)
