Question

-x^2 = -36

Answer 1

Answer:

x = ±6

General Formulas and Concepts:

Pre-Algebra

• Order of Operations: BPEMDAS
• Equality Properties

Algebra II

• Extraneous solutions and multiple answers/roots

Step-by-step explanation:

Step 1: Define

-x² = -36

Step 2: Solve for x

1. Divide -1 on both sides:                         x² = 36
2. Square root both sides:                         x = ±6

Step 3: Check

Plug in x to verify it's a solution.

1. Substitute in -6:                    -(-6)² = -36
2. Exponents:                           -(36) = -36
3. Multiply:                                -36 = -36

1. Substitute in 6:                     -(6)² = -36
2. Exponents:                           -(36) = -36
3. Multiply:                                -36 = -36

Here we see that both -6 and 6 do indeed work as solutions.

∴ x = ±6 are both solutions to the equation.