How do you solve #(x - 5)^2 = 2#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-04-28T12:30:52

#x = sqrt(2) + 5#

To isolate the #x#, we need to take the square root of both sides to get rid of the power.

#(x-5)^2 = 2#

#sqrt((x-5)^2) = sqrt(2)#

The square root and power on the left term cancel out, leaving us with:

#x-5 = sqrt(2)#

To finish isolating the x, add #5# to both sides.

#x cancel(-5+5) = sqrt(2) + 5#

Final answer:

#x = sqrt(2) + 5#