# calling all X hunters. Is x undefined?

• Dec 16th 2008, 08:29 PM
needhelp75
calling all X hunters. Is x undefined?
solve for x

(squareroot of 3 - (squareroot of x + 5)) = 2

**the squaroot of 3 - is also covering the squareroot of x + 5
• Dec 16th 2008, 08:33 PM
needhelp75
• Dec 16th 2008, 09:04 PM
mr fantastic
Quote:

Originally Posted by needhelp75
solve for x

(squareroot of 3 - (squareroot of x + 5)) = 2

**the squaroot of 3 - is also covering the squareroot of x + 5

Is the equation $\sqrt{3 - \sqrt{x + 5}} = 2$ ?

If so, simple substitution shows that x = -4 is not the answer. In fact, there is no answer if x is a real number.
Quote:

Originally Posted by needhelp75

• Dec 16th 2008, 09:06 PM
needhelp75
yes that is the correct equation.
I've tried solving for x and got -4 but when i plug back into equation the numbers dont match.
Hence, is this equation undefined?
• Dec 16th 2008, 09:07 PM
mr fantastic
Quote:

Originally Posted by needhelp75
yes that is the correct equation.
I've tried solving for x and got -4 but when i plug back into equation the numbers dont match.
Hence, is this equation undefined?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr fantastic
Is the equation $\sqrt{3 - \sqrt{x + 5}} = 2$

[snip] there is no answer if x is a real number.

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