1 The Radical Smasher
Eliminate the radical by squaring both sides.
Left Side
=
Right Side
Resulting Polynomial:
Action: Drag to square
2 The Extraneous Filter
Squaring can create fake (extraneous) roots. Drag candidates into the original equation to test them!
Tester
Original Equation:
Drop root here...
Drop root here...
check_circle Real Solutions
delete Extraneous
3 The Fraction Clearer
Rational equations have variables in the denominator. Multiply everything by the Lowest Common Denominator (LCD) to clear them!
=
=
Action: Tap the LCD
4 Domain Check
Rational functions have restricted domains. Denominators cannot be zero! Drag candidates to test them.
Tester
Original Equation:
Drop root here...
Drop root here...
explosion
Division by Zero!
check_circle Real Solutions
delete Extraneous
emoji_events
Mastery Achieved!
You've learned that raising equations to a power or multiplying by variables can create EXTRANEOUS solutions. Always check your answers!