how do you solve square root of (x) - square root of (5) =square root of (x-5)

Question

I do not know how to undo the problem by squaring both sides. I keep getting 0=-10 or another untrue statement. 

√x - √5 =√(x - 5)

 

 

Answer 1

Hi, Matia.

 

If you take the equation and square both sides, here is what happens:

 

(√x - √5)² = (√x-5)² becomes:  x  -2√(5x) + 5 = x-5

 

So, subtract x and subtract 5: -2√(5x) = -10

 

Square both sides:  4(5x) = 100,    or  20x = 100.

 

Therefore:  x = 5.

 

Check:  √5 - √5 = √(5 - 5)

 

                      0  =  0

 

Does this make sense?  I hope so.  If not, please let me know.

Answer 2

ignore mine