2. A radical equation is an equation that contains a radical.

3. Did you ever notice how much sense mathematical definitions usually make?

4. The goal in solving radical equations is the same as the goal in solving most equations.

5. We need to isolate the variable.

6. But there is only one way to move the variable out from under the square root sign.

7. We need to square the radical expression.

8. And, because it is an equation, what we do to one side,

9. And, because it is an equation, what we do to one side, we have to do to the other.

10. And now, we need to simplify:

11. Remember, no matter what n is. (Even if n is an expression)

12. So we have:

14. Solve for x: Step 1. Simplify the expression:

15. Solve for x:

16. Step 1. Simplify the expression. Step 2. Isolate the radical.

17. Solve for x:

18. Step 1. Simplify the expression. Step 2. Isolate the radical. Step 3. Square both sides.

19. Solve for x:

20. Step 1. Simplify the expression. Step 2. Isolate the radical. Step 3. Square both sides. Step 4. Solve the equation.

21. Solve for x:

22. Try this one: Solve for x: