Lesson

Solving Radical Equations

What I Need to Know

In this lesson, you are expected to solve radical equations – equations that contain
radical expressions. This skill prepares you to solve real-life phenomenon which can be
modelled by radical equations like speed of a tsunami, tornado scale, etc. Solving radical
equations requires applying the rules of exponents and following some basic algebraic
principles.

What I Know

Activity 1. What Undoes Me?

Give the inverse operation of each mathematical operation.
1. Addition
2. Subtraction
3. Multiplication
4. Division
5. Squaring
6. Cubing
7. Taking square root

Questions:
1. What are inverse operations?
2. Can you give more examples of inverse operations?
3. What previously learned mathematical concepts make use of inverse
operations?
4. How do you think the concept of inverse operations be applied in solving
radical equations?

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 What’s In

The skills in solving linear equations and sometimes, quadratic equations, are some
prerequisites in solving radical equations. Review these skills by answering the next
activity.

Activity 2. Reminiscing the Past

Solve the following equations.
1.
2. 4𝑥 =− 20
3. 3𝑦 − 7 = 11
4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Questions:
1. What is/are the solution/s for each equation?
2. How did you solve each equation?
3. What previously learned algebraic concepts were applied in solving each
equation?
4. How important, do you think, is your skill in solving equations applicable to
solve radical equations?

What’s New

This part of the module enables you to identify a radical equation. To guide you,
observe the following examples and non-examples of radical equations.

Examples of Radical Equations Non-examples of Radical Equations

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Questions:
1. Are there variables under a radical symbol for radical equations? Are there
variables under a radical for non-radical equations?
2. What is your own definition of a radical equation?
3. How can you tell that an equation is a radical equation or not?
4. Can you now formulate your own radical equation?

3
 What Is It
To solve a radical equation, you need to eliminate the radicals to obtain a
polynomial equation. The key step is to raise each side of the equation to the same
power. (Recall: If , then .) Then solve the new equation using
standard procedures.

Note: Before raising each side of the equation to the same power, you should
isolate the radical expression on one side of the equation.

Example 1. Solve .

Solution:
Write original equation.

Apply Addition Property of Equality to isolate the

variable.

Square both sides of the equation.

Simplify the equation.

Checking: Substitute in the original equation by .

✓
So, the solution is 64.

Example 2. Solve .

Solution:
Write original equation.

Apply Addition Property of Equality to isolate the

variable.

Square both sides of the equation.

Simplify the equation.

4
Apply Addition Property of Equality.

Simplify.

Apply Multiplication Property of Equality

5
 Simplify.

Checking: Substitute in the original equation by .

Hence, the solution is 4.

Example 3. Solve (This time you supply the reasons for each step.)

Solution:

Step Reason

2 2
(𝑦 − 4) = ( 2𝑦 )

=0

Checking:
For For .

✓ ✘

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 Observe that from the obtained solutions only y = 8 satisfies the original
equation. Hence, 8 is the only solution. 2 is called an extraneous solution.

Questions:
1. How do you define extraneous solution?
2. How important is the process of checking in solving radical equations?
3. What are the steps in solving radical equations?

Some real-life situations can be modelled by radical equations. And using the
skills in solving radical equations, new equations or formula may be formed. Take a
look at the next example.

Example 4. The speed 𝑠 (in kilometers per hour) that a tsunami travels can be
modeled by 𝑠 = 356 𝑑 where 𝑑 is the depth (in kilometers) of the water. Derive an
equation for finding 𝑑.

Solution:

Step Reason
𝑠 = 356 𝑑 Write original equation.
𝑠 356 𝑑 Apply Multiplication
=
356 356 Property of Equality
𝑠
356
= 𝑑 Use Multiplicative Inverse
2 2 Squaring both sides of the
( ) = ( 𝑑)
𝑠
356 equation
2 2
𝑠 𝑠
126736
= 𝑑 or 𝑑 = 126736
Simplification

What’s More
It’s now your time to apply what you have learned. The next three activities
are designed for this purpose.

Activity 3: There’s a Reason for Every Action

Solve each radical equation. Complete each table by filling in the steps and their
corresponding reason/s.

Radical Equation Step Reason

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The solution/s is/are __________.

Radical Equation Step Reason

The solution/s is/are __________.

Radical Equation Step Reason

The solution/s is/are __________.

Radical Equation Step Reason

The solution/s is/are __________.

Questions:

1. What is/are the solution/s of each equation?

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 2. Are there extraneous solutions?
3. Are there radical equations with 2 solutions?
4. Are there radical equations with no solution?

Activity 4: Supply Me
Solve each equation then identify the solution/s and extraneous solution/s, if there
are.
Radical Equation: Solve here. Check here.

Solution/s:

Extraneous Solution/s

.
Radical Equation: Solve here. Check here.

Solution/s:

Extraneous Solution/s

Radical Equation: Solve here. Check here.

Solution/s:

9
 Extraneous
Solution/s

Radical Equation: Solve here. Check here.

Solution/s:

Extraneous Solution/s

What I Have Learned

Activity 5: Step by Step

To determine what you have understood in this lesson, fill in the flow chart with the
steps to solve radical equations. You may add more boxes and arrows if you wish.

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 What I Can Do

Activity 6. Radical Equations Applied

You work for a company that manufactures plumb
bobs. The same mould is used to cast plumb bobs of
different sizes. The equation
3
3 𝑡
ℎ= 2
,

models the relationship between the height (in inches) of

the plumb bob and the time (in seconds) that metal alloy
is poured into the mould.
You are tasked to present to the company the length of time to pour alloy to
the mould to cast a plumb bob of different heights. Your outputs will be the new
equation which may be used to solve for and a table showing the required time for
a specific plumb bob height and the computations.

(This space in intended for your solution for solving for .)

Height Time
Computation
(in inches) (in seconds)

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 2

2.5

.
Radical Equations Applied Rubric

Score
Part of Output
1 2 3 4
In deriving the In deriving the In deriving the In deriving the
Solving for
equation for equation for equation for equation for
solving solving solving solving
, none of the , one of the , two of the , all of the
following is following are following are following are
evident: evident: evident: evident:

The radicals The radicals The radicals The radicals

are isolated are isolated are isolated are isolated
correctly. correctly. correctly. correctly.
The radicals The radicals The radicals The radicals
are eliminated are eliminated are eliminated are eliminated
correctly. correctly. correctly. correctly.
The equation The equation The equation The equation
for is for is for is for is
derived derived derived derived
correctly. correctly. correctly. correctly.
Computations In solving for In solving for In solving for In solving for
for each for each for each for each
(for every )
given value of given value of given value of given value of
, 3 or more , 2 errors , 1 error was , 1 error was
errors were were committed. committed.
committed. committed.

12
Some parts of this rubric were adapted from
https://www.rcampus.com/rubricshowc.cfm?code=HX5X4AB&sp=true&.

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 Assessment: (Post-Test)

1. Which of the following is a radical equation?

3
A. 𝑥 + 3 =− 2 C. 27 = 𝑥
𝑥+1
B. 81 = 9 D. 𝑥−1 = 12

𝑎
2. Solve the equation 3
= 3.
A. 9 C. 27
B. 18 D. 54

3 3
3. What is the value of k will make the equation 𝑘 + 4 = 2𝑘 + 3 true?
A. 4 C. 2
B. 3 D. 1

4. What is the first step to solve the equation 2 + 90 − 𝑣 = 11?

A. Isolate the radical by squaring both sides of the equation
B. Isolate the radical by adding -2 to both sides of the equation
C. Eliminate the radical by squaring both sides of the equation
D. Eliminate the radical by adding -2 to both sides of the equation

5. Which of the following steps, in proper order, shall be done to determine the solution
of 6 − 15𝑥 = 9?
I. Isolate the radical
II. Eliminate the radical
III. Solve the resulting equation
IV. Check the answer in the original equation

A. I, II, III, IV C. II, III, IV

B. II, I, III, IV D. I, III, IV

6. What value/s of 𝑥 will make the equation 2𝑎 − 1 − 𝑎 + 4 = 0 true?

A. 5 only C. both 5 and -5
B. -5 only D. none

7. What is/are the solution/s of the equation 𝑥 = 𝑥 + 12?

A. only 4 C. both 4 and -3
B. only -3 D. both -4 and 3

8. Which of the following radical equations will have 𝑥 = 6 as a solution?

A. 𝑥 − 2𝑥 + 7 = 0 C. 𝑥 = 9
B. 2𝑥 − 3 = 𝑥 − 3 D. 3 𝑥 = 5

9. Which of the following equations has an extraneous solution?

3
A. 𝑥 + 8 = 3 C. 2𝑥 + 3 + 5 = 2
2
B. 3𝑥 + 10𝑥 − 5 = 0 D. 𝑥 + 10 = 𝑥 + 4

3
10. The length 𝑙 (in inches) of a standard nail can be modeled by 𝑙 = 54 𝑑 where 𝑑 is
the diameter (in inches) of the nail. What equation for 𝑑 can be derived from the
original equation?

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 3 3
𝑙 𝑙
A. 𝑑 = 54
C. 𝑑 = 3
54
3 2
𝑙 3 𝑙
B. 𝑑 = 54
D. 𝑑 = 2
54

Key to Answers

Activity 1. What Undoes Me?

1. Subtraction
2. Addition
3. Division
4. Multiplication
5. Taking square root
6. Taking the cube root
7. Squaring

Activity 2. Reminiscing the Past

1. 𝑥 = 5
2. 𝑥 =− 5
3. 𝑦 = 6
4. 𝑥 =− 1
5. 𝑥 = 30
6. 𝑥 = 4, 𝑥 =− 4
7. 𝑥 = 4, 𝑥 = 9
8. No solution

Activity 3: There’s a Reason for Every Action

Radical Equation Step Reason

𝑥 + 8= 3 Original equation
Squaring both sides of
2 2
the equation to
( 𝑥 + 8 ) = (3) eliminate the radical
symbol
𝑥+8=9 Simplification
Applying Addition
𝑥+8−8=9−8
Property of Equality
Applying Additive
𝑥=1
Inverse; simplification

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The solution is 1.
Radical Equation Step Reason

Original equation

Applying Addition
3𝑦 + 2 − 2 𝑦 + 2 𝑦 = 0 + 2 𝑦 Property of Equality
3𝑦 + 2 = 2 𝑦 Simplification
2 2 Squaring both sides of
( 3𝑦 + 2 ) = (2 𝑦) the equation
3𝑦 + 2 = 4𝑦 Simplification
Applying Addition
3𝑦 + 2 − 2 − 4𝑦 = 4𝑦 − 2 − 4𝑦
Property of Equality
Applying Additive
− 𝑦 =− 2
Inverse; simplification
Applying Multiplication
− 1(− 𝑦) =− 1(− 2)
Property of Equality
𝑦=2 Simplification

The solution is 2.

Radical Equation Step Reason

Original equation

2 2 Squaring both sides of

(𝑚 + 4 ) = ( 𝑚 + 10) the equation
2 Square of a binomial;
𝑚 + 8𝑚 + 16 = 𝑚 + 10 simplification
2 Applying Addition
𝑚 + 8𝑚 + 16 − 𝑚 − 10 = 𝑚 + 1 Property of Equality

2 Applying Additive
𝑚 + 7𝑚 + 6 = 0 Inverse; simplification
(𝑚 + 1)(𝑚 + 6) = 0 Applying factorization
Applying Zero Product
𝑚+1=0 𝑚+6=0
Property
𝑚 + 1 − 1 = 0 − 𝑚 + 6 − 6 = 0 − Applying Addition
Property of Equality
Applying Additive
𝑚 =− 1 𝑚 =− 6
Inverse; simplification

The solution is -1.

Radical Equation Step Reason

Original equation

2
Applying Addition
3𝑎 + 10𝑎 − 5 + 5 = 0 + 5 Property of Equality

16
 2
Applying Additive
3𝑎 + 10𝑎 = 5 Inverse; simplification
2
Squaring both sides of
( 3𝑎 + 10𝑎
2
) = (5)
2
the equation
2
3𝑎 + 10𝑎 = 25 Simplification
2 Applying Addition
3𝑎 + 10𝑎 − 25 = 25 − 25 Property of Equality
2 Applying Additive
3𝑎 + 10𝑎 − 25 = 0 Inverse; simplification
(3𝑎 − 5)(𝑎 + 5) = 0 Applying factorization
Applying Zero Product
3𝑎 − 5 = 0 𝑎+5=0
Property
Applying Addition
3𝑎 − 5 + 5 = 0 +𝑎 + 5 − 5 = 0 −
Property of Equality
Applying Additive
3𝑎 = 5 𝑎 =− 5
Inverse; simplification
3𝑎 5 Applying Addition
=
3 3 Property of Equality
5 Applying Multiplicative
𝑎= 3
Inverse; simplification

5
The solutions are 3
and -5.

Activity 4: Supply Me

Radical Equation: Solve here. Check here.

3𝑝 + 22 − 4 = 0 3(− 2) + 22 − 4 = 0
3𝑝 + 22 − 4 + 4 = 0 + 4 − 6 + 22 − 4 = 0
Solution/s: 3𝑝 + 22 = 4 16 − 4 = 0
2 2 4−4=0
( 3𝑝 + 22) = (4)
0=0 ✓
3𝑝 + 22 = 16
-2 3𝑝 + 22 − 22 = 16 − 22
Extraneous 3𝑝 =− 6
Solution/s: 3𝑝 6
3
=− 3
none 𝑝 =− 2

Radical Equation: Solve here. Check here.

2
2 2
𝑥+3= 𝑥 +5
2 (− ) + 3 = (− )
2
3 3
+5
(𝑥 + 3) =
2
2
( 2
𝑥 +5
2
) (− ) +
2 9
=
4
+5
𝑥 + 6𝑥 + 9 = 𝑥 + 5 3 3 9
2 2 2
𝑥 + 6𝑥 + 9 − 𝑥 − 5 = 𝑥 + 5 − 𝑥
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Solution/s: 6𝑥 + 4 = 0 7 4 45
= +
6𝑥 + 4 − 4 = 0 − 4 3 9 9
6𝑥 =− 4
2 6𝑥 4 7 49
− 3 =− 6 =
6 3 9
Extraneous 𝑥 =−
2 7
=
7
✓
3
Solution/s: 3 3

none

Radical Equation: Solve here. Check here.

7 + 𝑥 − 1= 𝑥 For 𝑥 = 5.
7 + 𝑥 − 1= 𝑥 7 + 𝑥 − 1− 7 = 𝑥 − 7 7 + 5 − 1= 5
𝑥 − 1= 𝑥 − 7 7 + 4= 5
2 2 7+2=5
( 𝑥 − 1 ) = (𝑥 − 7)
Solution/s: 𝑥 − 1 = 𝑥 − 14𝑥 + 49
2 9=5 ✘
2 2
𝑥 − 1 − 𝑥 + 14𝑥 − 49 = 𝑥 − 14𝑥
2
− 𝑥 + 15𝑥 − 50 = 0 For 𝑥 = 10.
2
(
− 𝑥 − 15𝑥 + 50 = 0 ) 7 + 10 − 1 = 10
− (𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 − 10) = 0 7 + 9 = 10
10
7 + 3 = 10
Extraneous 𝑥−5=0 10 = 10 ✓
Solution/s 𝑥−5+5=0+5
𝑥=5

𝑥 − 10 = 0
𝑥 − 10 + 10 = 0 + 10
5 𝑥 = 10

Radical Equation: Solve here. Check here.

3 3
2𝑥 + 3 + 7 = 4 2(− 15) + 3 + 7 = 4
3 3
2𝑥 + 3 + 7 − 7 = 4 − 7 − 30 + 3 + 7 = 4
3 3
Solution/s: 2𝑥 + 3 =− 3 − 27 + 7 = 4
3 3 −3+7=4
( 2𝑥 + 3 ) = (− 3)
3

4=4 ✓
2𝑥 + 3 =− 27
− 15
2𝑥 + 3 − 3 =− 27 − 3
Extraneous 2𝑥 =− 30
Solution/s: 2𝑥 30
2
=− 2
None 𝑥 =− 15

18
19
Activity 5: Step by Step

Pretest Post-test

1. D 1. A
2. C 2. C
3. B 3. D
4. D 4. B
5. A 5. C
6. B 6. A
7. B 7. A
8. C 8. B
9. D 9. B
10. C 10. D

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References
● https://www.rcampus.com/rubricshowc.cfm?code=HX5X4AB&sp=true& accessed on
May 26, 2020
● Solving a Radical Equation. Accessed at
http://www.classzone.com/eservices/home/pdf/teacher/LA207FAD.pdf
accessed on May 21, 2020
● Solving Radical Equations. Accessed at
https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/algebra/algebra-ii/quadratics-in-one-variabl
e/solving-radical-equations on May 21, 2020
● Solving Radical Equations. Accessed at
http://www.montereyinstitute.org/courses/DevelopmentalMath/COURSE_TEX
T2_RESOURCE/U16_L3_T1_text_final.html on May 21, 2020
● Solving Radical Equations. Accessed at
https://1.cdn.edl.io/aKhp2dZQIYsFbjx0yOYM9gVjjkzjCSNBxobEMgKaAD6ffd
OD.pdf on May 24, 2020
● Grade 9 Learner’s Module
●

Image Sources:
● https://www.rt.com/news/355888-manila-tornado-storm-philippines/ accessed
on May 26, 2020
● https://philippineslifestyle.com/philippines-receives-first-real-time-tsunami-war
ning-devices-from-japan/ accessed on May 26, 2020

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