Extraneous Solutions of Radical Equations: Example

This video continues with the idea that solving certain radical equations can lead to what are known as extraneous solutions. One example problem from the Khan Academy exercise is analyzed and solved.

These solutions essentially arise when raising each side of an equation to an even exponent, but they do not actual solve the original equation when plugged back in.

Raising each side of an equation is a non reversible operation and some information is effectively lost when the operation is performed. However, raising each side of an equation to an odd power is a reversible operation and will not result in these extraneous solutions.

Khan Academy exercise to practice:
1. Extraneous Solutions of Equations: https://www.khanacademy.org/math/alge...


EulersAcademy.org