(^= square root)
evaluate the power ^2x + 1 = (-5) to the second power
move constant to the right ^2x + 1 = 25
subtract numbers ^2x + 25 - 1
square both sides ^2x = 24
divide both sides by 2 2x = 576
check solution x = 288
simplify equality ^2 x ^288 + 1 = (-5) to the second power
25=25