This lesson discusses solving equations with radicals on both sides of the equation. A graphing calculator is needed to complete this section.

flow chart with the following steps: Step 1 - Start by creating a table of values for each side of the equation. (In your calculator input the left side of the equation as one function and the right side of the equation as another function.) Step 2 - Search for any place where the y-values are equal. Step 3 - Find the x-value that matches the equal y-values. This is your solution!

Example: Solve √x + 2 = √3x − 6. Follow along on your calculator.

  1. Create a table of values for each side of the equation.
    2. ♦This creates a column of y-values for each side of the equation.
    ♦Then create a table of values for each side of the equation.

  2. Search for where the y-values are equal.
    ♦You may have to scroll up or down within your table.

    Arrow points to y values of 2.4485 in the table. The y-values do not have to be integers.

  3. Find the x-value that matches the equal y-values. This is the solution!
    4. The corresponding x-value in the table is x equals 4.

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