Adrian solved the equation [tex]$x^2 + 9 = 16$[/tex] using the following steps. Review his work carefully, and then follow the instructions.

Line 1: [tex]$x^2 + 9 = 16$[/tex]
Line 2: [tex][tex]$x + 3 = \pm 4$[/tex][/tex]
Line 3: [tex]$x + 3 - 3 = \pm 4 - 3$[/tex]
Line 4: [tex]$x = 1$[/tex] and [tex][tex]$x = -7$[/tex][/tex]

Which statement identifies a mistake Adrian made, if any?

A. In Line 4, he subtracted incorrectly. The solutions should be [tex]$x = \pm 1$[/tex] and [tex]$x = \pm 7$[/tex].
B. In Line 2, he should have subtracted [tex][tex]$9$[/tex][/tex] from both sides of the equation because it is not part of the expression that is squared.
C. He did not make a mistake. His answer is correct.
D. In Line 3, he should have added [tex]$3$[/tex] to both sides of the equation to get [tex]$\pm 4 + 3$[/tex].



Answer :

Let's carefully review Adrian's steps and identify any mistakes.

1. Given Equation:
[tex]\( x^2 + 9 = 16 \)[/tex]

2. Review of Adrian's Line 2:
Adrian wrote:
[tex]\( x + 3 = \pm 4 \)[/tex]

Here, Adrian made an error. To solve [tex]\( x^2 + 9 = 16 \)[/tex], he should have first isolated [tex]\( x^2 \)[/tex] by subtracting 9 from both sides of the equation.

3. Correct Step 2:
Subtract 9 from both sides:
[tex]\[ x^2 + 9 - 9 = 16 - 9 \][/tex]
Simplifying the equation:
[tex]\[ x^2 = 7 \][/tex]

4. Correct Step 3:
Next, take the square root of both sides:
[tex]\[ x = \pm \sqrt{7} \][/tex]

Given these corrected steps, the correct solutions for the equation [tex]\( x^2 + 9 = 16 \)[/tex] are [tex]\( x = \sqrt{7} \)[/tex] and [tex]\( x = -\sqrt{7} \)[/tex].

Identifying Adrian's Mistake:
Adrian made a mistake in Line 2. In Line 2, he should have subtracted 9 from both sides of the equation because it is not part of the expression that is squared.

Correct Statement:
"In Line 2, he should have subtracted 9 from both sides of the equation because it is not part of the expression that is squared."