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College Algebra / Unit 4   Alg 217 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Checking After Raising to a Power

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The idea

Raising both sides of an equation to a power can create extraneous solutions; every candidate gets checked in the original.

In practice

Squaring merges −2 and 2: both land on 4. An equation squared can gain solutions its original never had.

Where people slip

Extraneous solutions are the method's fault, not a slip.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

Builds on

  • Nothing. This is a starting point.

Unlocks

  • Nothing yet depends on this.

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