How do you solve a2+1=17?

2 Answers
Apr 14, 2018

a = ±4

Explanation:

1/ a2 + 1 = 17
2/ a2 = 16
3/ Take the square root both side
4/ a = ±4

Apr 14, 2018

a±4

Explanation:

rearrange and equate to zero

subtract 17 from both sides

a216=0

a216 is a difference of squares

[a2b2=(ab)(a+b)]

(a4)(a+4)=0

equate each factor to zero and solve for x

a4=0a=4

a+4=0a=4