Question

What is the smallest solution to the equation 3x{2} " alt=" x^{2} " align="absmiddle" class="latex-formula">-16=131

Answer 1

IF you mean $3 x^{2} -16=131$, then the following would be a solution:

First add 16 to both sides of the equation:
$3 x^{2} = 147$

Now divide both sides of the equation by 3:
$x^{2} =49$

Take the square root of both sides to solve for "X", or simply solve by inspection: "what number(s) can be squared to get 49?"

Answer: -7 and 7 So the smallest solution would be "-7"