Expert: Lynn Houston - 10/17/2010

Question
If x to second power + x= 6, what is the value of x?

Can you write it out very clearly..so I understand?

Answer
I just used the process of elimination.  If the total can only = 6, then a number squared has to be less than 6 (because you still have to add something to it to get to 6 total).   3^2 is 9, so you know x has to be less than 3.  2^2 + 2 = 6

Now, the question is, do you just need a positive solution or are you looking for negative numbers too because
-3^2 + (-3) = 6 too.
9-3 = 6

so x could equal 2 or -3.

Used the same process of elimination to get -3.  Since you're going to be subtracting (when u add a negative number, its the same as subtracting) x from x^2, x^2 has to be more than 6.

Hope this makes sense.