If x^2 - 9 = 0, what are the values of x?
Correct Answer: x = -3 or x = 3
- Step 1: Start with the equation x^2 - 9 = 0.
- Step 2: Recognize that x^2 - 9 is a difference of squares, which can be factored.
- Step 3: Factor the equation into (x - 3)(x + 3) = 0.
- Step 4: Set each factor equal to zero: x - 3 = 0 and x + 3 = 0.
- Step 5: Solve the first equation x - 3 = 0 to find x = 3.
- Step 6: Solve the second equation x + 3 = 0 to find x = -3.
- Step 7: Conclude that the values of x are -3 and 3.
No concepts available.