To solve the equation [tex]\( \sqrt{x} - 4 = -2 \)[/tex], follow these steps:
1. Isolate the square root term:
[tex]\[
\sqrt{x} - 4 = -2
\][/tex]
Add 4 to both sides of the equation to isolate [tex]\( \sqrt{x} \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
\sqrt{x} - 4 + 4 = -2 + 4
\][/tex]
Simplifies to:
[tex]\[
\sqrt{x} = 2
\][/tex]
2. Eliminate the square root by squaring both sides of the equation:
[tex]\[
(\sqrt{x})^2 = 2^2
\][/tex]
Which simplifies to:
[tex]\[
x = 4
\][/tex]
So, the solution to the equation [tex]\( \sqrt{x} - 4 = -2 \)[/tex] is [tex]\( x = 4 \)[/tex].
Thus, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{x = 4} \][/tex]
