To solve the radical equation [tex]\(\sqrt{x+3} - 7 = 15\)[/tex], we follow these steps:
### Step 1: Add 7 to both sides
First, we want to isolate the square root term. To do this, we add 7 to both sides of the equation:
[tex]\[
\sqrt{x+3} - 7 + 7 = 15 + 7
\][/tex]
Simplifying this, we get:
[tex]\[
\sqrt{x+3} = 22
\][/tex]
### Step 2: Square both sides
Next, to eliminate the square root, we square both sides of the equation:
[tex]\[
(\sqrt{x+3})^2 = 22^2
\][/tex]
This simplifies to:
[tex]\[
x + 3 = 484
\][/tex]
So, the first two steps in solving the equation [tex]\(\sqrt{x+3} - 7 = 15\)[/tex] are:
1. Add 7 to both sides of the equation.
2. Square both sides of the equation.
Therefore, the correct option is:
D. Add 7 to both sides and then square both sides.
