Math 108 T11-Irrational Equations Page 1

MATH 108 – REVIEW TOPIC 11

Irrational Equations

Introduction
Any equation where the variable is inside
√ a radical
√ is called an irrational
3
equation (numbers inside radicals like 2 or 4 are irrational numbers).
When solving an irrational equation, the key step will be removing the
radical.
√
Example: Solve 3 x − 4 = 5.
Let’s compare this equation to a quadratic of similar form:

√
3x2 − 4 = 5 3 x−4=5
√
3x2 = 9 3 x=9
√ √
x2 = 3 x = x1/2 = 3 n
xm = xm/n
√
x=± 3 x = 32 = 9

In both problems we disregard the exponent and isolate the variable. Ex-
 n/m
ponents are then removed using reciprocal powers, i.e. ( )m/n = ( ).
Example: Solve 3x2/3 = 12.
Solution: 3x2/3 = 12 ⇒ x2/3 = 4
⇒ (x2/3)3/2 = 43/2
⇒ x = (41/2)3 = (±2)3 = ±8
√
Exercise 1: Solve 3
2x − 5 = 3. Answer

Warning: Mistakes in radical equations are often the result of not

distinguishing between powers of sums versus products.
Math 108 T11-Irrational Equations Page 2

Illustration:
√
Product : (ab)m = am bm, (2 x)2 = 4x
√ √
Sum : (a + b)m 6= am + bm , (2 + x)2 = 4 + 4 x + x
√
Because of these differences, a problem like 3 + 3x + 1 = x can easily be
missed. Let’s discuss this problem in detail.
√
Example: Solve 3 + 3x + 1 = x.
One approach would be to square each side of the equation immediately,
expecting to remove the radical.
√
(3 + 3x + 1)2 = x2
√ √
⇒ 32 + 2(3) 3x + 1 + ( 3x + 1)2 = x2 (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2
√
⇒ 9 + 6 3x + 1 + 3x + 1 = x2.

Comment: Up to this point the algebra is correct, but the radical is still
present. Let’s start over . . .
√ √ 
3 + 3x + 1 = x ⇒ 3x + 1 = x − 3  See the benefits
⇒ 3x + 1 = (x − 3)2 of isolating the

⇒ 3x + 1 = x2 − 6x + 9 radical
⇒ 0 = x2 − 9x + 8
⇒ x = 8, x = 1

Check: √
if x = 8, 3+ 25 = 8
√
if x = 1, 3+ 4 6= 1.
Therefore, the only solution is x = 8.

Raising expressions to powers can lead to addi-

tional (extraneous) solutions. You must check to
be certain which values are true solutions.
Math 108 T11-Irrational Equations Page 3

PRACTICE PROBLEMS for Topic 11

Solve the equations.
11.1. x2/3 = 16 11.4. (2x2 + 1)1/5 = 2
√
11.2. x−1/2 = 4 11.5. 7−x=x−5
√ √
11.3. 2 2x − 9 − 4 = 0 11.6. x + 5x + 19 = −1
p √ √
11.7. 2 x + 1 = 3x − 5
Answers
Math 108 T11-Answers – Irrational Equations Page 4

ANSWERS to PRACTICE PROBLEMS (Topic 11)

11.1. x = 163/2 = (±4)3 = ±64

Return to Problem
1
11.2. x = 4−2 =
16
Return to Problem
√ 13
11.3. 2x − 9 = 2 ⇒ 2x − 9 = 4 ⇒ x =
2
Return to Problem
√
31 62
11.4. (2x2 + 1) = 32 ⇒ x2 = ⇒x=±
2 2
Return to Problem

11.5. 7 − x = x2 − 10x + 25 ⇒ x2 − 9x + 18 = 0 ⇒ x = 6 or x = 3.
x = 3 is extraneous, x = 6 is the only solution.

Return to Problem
√
11.6. 5x + 19 = −1 − x
⇒ 5x + 19 = (−1 − x)2
⇒ 5x + 19 = 1 + 2x + x2
⇒ 0 = x2 − 3x − 18
⇒ x = 6 or x = −3
Check:
√
if x = 6, 6+ 49 6= −1; x = 6 is extraneous,
√
if x = −3, − 3 + 4 = −1; x = −3 is the only root.

Return to Problem
Math 108 T11-Answers – Irrational Equations Page 5
√
11.7. 2 x + 1 = 3x − 5
⇒ 4(x + 1) = 9x2 − 30x + 25 (ab)2 = a2 b2 , (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2
⇒ 0 = 9x2 − 34x + 21 
⇒ 0 = (9x − 7)(x − 3) Quadratic formula leads to
√
 34 ± 400
⇒ x = 7/9 or x = 3 x= and same result.
18
only x = 3 checks.

Return to Problem

Beginning of Topic 108 Skills Assessment

Math 108 Exercise 1 – Topic 11 Page 6
√
Solve 3
2x − 5 = 3.
Answer:
(2x − 5)1/3 = 3 We rewrote the radical
[(2x − 5)1/3]3 = 33 to emphasize the use of
2x − 5 = 27 reciprocal powers.
x = 16

Return to Review Topic