Question

Solve for x in the equation x^2-14+31=63

Answer 1

To solve for a variable, you need to get it (x) by itself.

x² - 14 + 31 = 63   Add 31 to -14
x² + 17 = 63   Subtract 17 from both sides of the equation
x² = 46   Square root both sides
x = $\pm \sqrt{46}$

Check your work by plugging in $\sqrt{46}$ for x and then $- \sqrt{46}$.

$\sqrt{46}$² - 14 + 31 = 63   Square $\sqrt{46}$
46 - 14 + 31 = 63   Subtract 14 from 46
32 + 31 = 63   Add
63 = 63

$- \sqrt{46}$² - 14 + 31 = 63   Square $- \sqrt{46}$
46 - 14  + 31 = 63   Subtract 14 from 46
32 + 31 = 63   Add
63 = 63

So, x is $\sqrt{46}$ and $- \sqrt{46}$ .