Skip to Main Content
This is a free sample lesson. Sign up for Magoosh to get access to over 200 video lessons.

Equations with Square Roots

Can't listen to audio right now? Turn on captions.
Summary
To solve equations involving square roots on the GRE, it's essential to square both sides of the equation, isolate the radical if necessary, and be vigilant about the possibility of extraneous roots.
  • Squaring both sides of an equation is a fundamental step in solving equations that include square roots.
  • Isolating the radical on one side of the equation is crucial before squaring, especially if the radical is not alone.
  • Extraneous roots can emerge from the process of squaring, necessitating a check of each solution against the original equation to verify its validity.
  • The process of solving these equations can lead to no solution, especially if the solution results in the square root of a negative number.
  • Practical examples illustrate the necessity of checking potential solutions to ensure they do not result in mathematical errors or fall outside the real number system.
Chapters
00:01
Understanding Square Root Equations
00:32
The Process of Squaring Both Sides
02:17
The Concept of Extraneous Roots
02:58
Solving and Verifying Solutions
Related Blog Posts

"

If you would like a more detailed explanation of what square roots are, please see:

Square Roots

"

Quiz

Powers and Roots