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The basic method is the same as for other types of equations: you need to isolate the variable ("x", or whatever variable you need to solve for). In the case of radical equations, it often helps to square both sides of the equation, to get rid of the radical. You may need to rearrange the equation before squaring. It is important to note that when you do this (square both sides), the new equation may have solutions which are NOT part of the original equation. Such solutions are known as "extraneous" solutions. Here is a simple example (without radicals):
x = 5 (has one solution, namely, 5)
Squaring both sides:
x squared = 25 (has two solutions, namely 5, and -5).
To protect against this situation, make sure you check each "solution" of the modified equation against the original equation, and reject the solutions that don't satisfy it.
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When solving a radical equation you should first isolate the radical and then both sides?
Radical...Apex :)
What is a method for solving a system of linear equations in which you multiply one or both equations by a number to get rid of a variable term?
It is called solving by elimination.
How does solving a literal equation differ from solving a linear equation?
Because linear equations are based on algebra equal to each other whereas literal equations are based on solving for one variable.
Why do the properties for solving for exponential expressions apply to radical expressions as well?
A radical is an exponent, stupid.
Compare the symbolic method for solving linear equations to the methods of using a table or graph?
Equations = the method
