Activity (Process)

How to Solve a Quadratic Equation Using the Square Root Property

To solve a quadratic equation using the Square Root Property, follow a four-step procedure:

Step 1. Isolate the quadratic term and make its coefficient one. Use addition or subtraction to move all other terms to the opposite side of the equation, leaving only the squared-variable term. If the squared term has a coefficient other than 11, divide both sides by that coefficient so the equation takes the form x2=kx^2 = k.

Step 2. Use the Square Root Property. Apply x=±kx = \pm\sqrt{k} to obtain two potential solutions.

Step 3. Simplify the radical. If the radicand contains any perfect square factors, extract them using the Product Property of Square Roots to write the solutions in simplified radical form.

Step 4. Check the solutions. Substitute each value back into the original equation and verify that both sides produce a true statement.

The requirement in Step 1 that the coefficient of the variable term must equal 11 is essential — the Square Root Property applies only to equations already in the form x2=kx^2 = k. If the coefficient is not 11, dividing both sides by the coefficient is necessary before proceeding.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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