To solve the equation [tex]\( x^2 = 4 \)[/tex] by taking square roots, follow these steps:
1. Start with the given equation:
[tex]\[
x^2 = 4
\][/tex]
2. To solve for [tex]\( x \)[/tex], take the square root of both sides of the equation. Remember that taking the square root of both sides will give us two solutions, one positive and one negative:
[tex]\[
x = \pm \sqrt{4}
\][/tex]
3. Calculate the square root of 4:
[tex]\[
\sqrt{4} = 2
\][/tex]
4. Now, apply the positive and negative signs:
[tex]\[
x = \pm 2
\][/tex]
Thus, the solutions to the equation [tex]\( x^2 = 4 \)[/tex] are:
[tex]\[
x = 2 \quad \text{and} \quad x = -2
\][/tex]
So, the correct answer is: The solutions are 2 and -2.
