Example

Solving 9k−2+1=0\sqrt{9k-2} + 1 = 0

Solve the radical equation 9k−2+1=0\sqrt{9k - 2} + 1 = 0.

Step 1 — Isolate the radical. Subtract 11 from both sides:

9k−2+1−1=0−1\sqrt{9k - 2} + 1 - 1 = 0 - 1

9k−2=−1\sqrt{9k - 2} = -1

The isolated square root equals −1-1, which is a negative number. Since the radical sign always denotes the principal (non-negative) square root, 9k−2≥0\sqrt{9k - 2} \geq 0 for every allowable value of kk. No real number substituted for kk can make the left side equal −1-1. Therefore, the equation has no solution.

This example demonstrates that when isolating the radical produces a negative value on the other side, the solving process stops immediately — there is no need to square both sides or perform any further algebraic steps.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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