Solve the following quadratic equation. (x - 16)^2 = 256

A. x = -32 and x = 0
B. x = 30 and x = -4
C. x = -30 and x = 4
D. x = 32 and x = 0

The answer is D. x = 32 and x = 0

Explanation:

Think of x-16 as y. In other words, let y = x-16

We have (x-16)^2 = 256 become y^2 = 256.

Solve for y to get y = 16 or y = -16. You apply the square root to both sides. Don't forget about the plus/minus. This is because (-16)^2 = (-16)*(-16) = 256. We square the negative as well.

If y = 16, then y = x-16 solves for x to get

y = x-16

16 = x-16

x-16 = 16

x = 16+16

x = 32 is one solution

Plug in y = -16 and isolate x

y = x-16

x-16 = y

x-16 = -16

x = -16+16

x = 0 is the other solution

We can check each answer by plugging them back into the original equation

Let's try x = 0

(x-16)^2 = 256

(0-16)^2 = 256

(-16)^2 = 256

256 = 256 ... works

Now try x = 32

(x-16)^2 = 256

(32-16)^2 = 256

(16)^2 = 256

256 = 256 ... also works; both answers have been confirmed

x=-7

step-by-step explanation:

x+3=-10

-10+3=-7

x=-7