Question

in the equation ( ax+3)²=36, a is a constant. if x = -3 is one solution to the equation, what is a possible value of a?

Answer 1

a = -1 or 3

Explanation:

( ax+3)²=36

We will let x =-3

( -3a+3)²=36

Take the square root of each side

sqrt( ( -3a+3)²)=±sqrt(36)

( -3a+3)=±6

-3a +3 = 6 -3a+3 = -6

Subtract 3 from each side

-3a +3-3 = 6-3 -3a+3-3 = -6-3

-3a = 3 -3a =-9

Divide by -3

-3a/-3 = 3/-3 -3a/-3 = -9/-3

a = -1 a =3

a can be either -1 or 3