<span>I assume that the x is squared (on Yahoo!Answers, we often use the caret ^ to show a power or an exponent) (think of it as a tiny arrow pointing up, showing that the following number should be seen as if it were raised above the line)
2(x^2 + 5) = 60
Can it be x = 5 ? we test: 2(5^2 + 5) = 2(25 + 5) = 2(30) = 60 it works, therefore x = 5 is a solution.
Can it be x = -5? we test again: 2[(-5)^2 + 5) = 2(25 + 5) = 2(30) = 60 it works, therefore x = -5 is also a solution.
The way you did it, there could be some confusion between step 4 and step 5 (because you do not explain how you go from 4 to 5). If you simply "take the square root" on both sides, someone could argue that the "principal" square root of a number is the positive value (+5 only, not -5). On the other hand, if you state: (after step 4), we look for all values that give 25 when they are squared, then -5 is allowed.
The way the conjecture is stated at the beginning, the easiest way is to check both values to find out that, yes, they are both valid solutions.</span>
Amount in compound interest = p(1 + r)^n where p is the initial deposit, r = rate and n = period. Here, Amount after 36 months = 1000(1 + 0.1/100)^36 = 1000(1 + 0.001)^36 = 1000(1.001)^36 = 1000(1.036637) = $1,036.64
