Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9

Lesson 7
Solving Equations Involving Radicals

Table of Contents

Learning Competencies 2
Learning Objectives 2
Suggested Time Frame 2
Essential Questions 3
Prerequisite Skills and Topics 3
Lesson Proper 4
- A. Introduction 4
- B. Discussion 6
- C. Practice and Feedback 10
Performance Assessment 17
Synthesis 25
Bibliography 25

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9

Unit 5 | Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions

Lesson 7: Solving Equations Involving Radicals

Learning Competencies

The learner
• solves equations involving radical expressions [M9AL-IIi-1]; and
• solves problems involving radicals [M9AL-IIj-1].

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, the learner should be able to

• accurately classify equations as radical equations;
• correctly solve equations involving radical expressions; and
• correctly solve word problems involving radicals.

Suggested Time Frame

4 hours1

1
Suggested time frame is based on the DepEd calendar for A.Y. 2018-2019 and the curriculum guide for mathematics (August
2016 version).

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9

Essential Questions

At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to answer the following questions:
• Why is it that we cannot consider some roots of radical equations as its solution?
• What are some real-life situations where we can apply the concept of radical
equations?

Prerequisite Skills and Topics

Skills:
• Transforming problems into mathematical expressions and equations
• Simplifying and evaluating algebraic expressions
• Solving linear equations in one variable
• Solving quadratic equations by factoring
• Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing radical expressions using the laws of
radicals

Topics:
• Math 7 Unit 6: Algebraic Expressions | Lesson 2: Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
• Math 7 Unit 9: Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable | Lesson 1:
Translating English Sentences to Mathematical Sentences
• Math 7 Unit 9: Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable | Lesson 2: Solving
Linear Equations in One Variable
• Math 9 Unit 1: Quadratic Equations | Lesson 3: Solving Quadratic Equations by
Factoring
• Math 9 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions | Lesson 3: The Laws of
Radicals

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9

Lesson Proper

A. Introduction

Suggested Warm-up Activities

Choose from any of the following warm-up activities. These warm-up activities should
either stimulate recall of previous lesson or introduce the lesson and not already used
in the study guide.

Activity 1: Duration: 10 minutes

Complete Me!
Materials Needed: pen and paper

This activity will help the Methodology:

students illustrate radical 1. Present the following equations to the students.
equations. • √𝑥 = _____
3

• √−𝑥 = _____
• √𝑥 = _____

2. Using 𝑥 = −8, ask the students to substitute 𝑥 and

determine what should be the value on the right
side of the equation.
3. Ask the students to complete the equations.

Expected Results:
•
3
√𝑥 = −2
• √−𝑥 = 2√2
• no possible answer

Guide Questions:
1. How were you able to write the complete form of
each equation?
2. Do you think any value of 𝑥 can be a solution of an
equation of this type? Why do you think so?

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9

Activity 2: Duration: 10 minutes

Let Me Guess?
Materials Needed: pen and paper

This activity will help the Methodology:

students illustrate the 1. Ask the students to work as a pair. Assign
solutions of a radical someone as Partner A and the other one as
equation. Partner B.
2. Partner A will make an equation following the form
√𝑥 = 𝑎, where 𝑎 should be a perfect square. After
this, Partner B will try to guess the possible value
of 𝑥 of the equation Partner A wrote.
3. This time, Partner B will make an equation
following the form √𝑥 = 𝑏, where 𝑏 should be a
3

perfect cube. Partner A will then try to guess the

possible value of 𝑥 of the equation Partner B
wrote.

Expected Results:
Answers may vary depending on the kind of equations
each pair wrote.

Guide Questions:
1. How were you able to create the equation
following the given condition? Did you have a hard
time?
2. Were you able to guess the possible value of 𝑥 of
the equation your partner wrote?

Teacher’s Notes
A suggested warm-up activity with ICT integration is available in the presentation file
that you can download through this link: http://bit.ly/2HXJLRh

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9
B. Discussion

Suggested Instructional Flow

1. Define and Discover

In this lesson, the following key terms and concepts will be discussed:

• Radical Equation – an equation with a radical expression; the radicand of the

expression contains a variable

Example:
The equation √𝑥 − 5 = 8 is a radical equation.

• Extraneous Root – a root of a transformed equation that is not a root of the

original equation

Example:
Solve for the solution of √𝑥 = −2.

√𝑥 = −2
2
(√𝑥) = (−2)2
𝑥=4

It appears that 𝑥 = 4 is the solution of the equation. However, if we substitute 𝑥

as 4, we will get √4 = −2, which is false. Thus, 𝑥 = 4 is an extraneous root.

• Solving Equations Involving Radical Expressions

In solving an equation involving a radical term, the general strategy is to isolate
the radical term on one side of the equation and then raise both sides to a power
so that the radical will be removed.

Example:
Solve √𝑥 + 1 − 4 = 0.

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9
To find 𝑥, we isolate √𝑥 + 1 on one side and then square both sides of the
equation.

√𝑥 + 1 = 4
2
(√𝑥 + 1) = 42
𝑥 + 1 = 16
𝑥 = 15

2. Develop and Demonstrate

The following examples may be used in the discussion.

Teacher’s Notes
Use the Try It! slides of the corresponding presentation file to present the worked
examples. You may also refer to the worked examples provided in the study guide
for varieties.

Example 1: Solve for the value of 𝑥 in √𝑥 = 10.

Solution/Explanation: 1. Square both sides of the equation to remove the

radical.

2
(√𝑥) = (10)2
𝑥 = 100

2. Check the result by substituting 𝑥 = 100 into the

original equation.

?
√𝑥 = 10
?
√100 = 10
10 = 10

The result satisfies the original equation. Thus, 𝒙 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎.

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9

Example 2: Solve for the solution of √𝑥 − 3 = 4.

Solution/Explanation: 1. Isolate the radical expression on one side of the

equation.

√𝑥 − 3 = 4
√𝑥 = 4 + 3
√𝑥 = 7

2. Square both sides of the equation to remove the

radical.

2
(√𝑥) = 72
𝑥 = 49

3. Check the result by substituting 𝑥 = 49 into the

original equation.

?
√𝑥 − 3 = 4
?
√49 − 3 = 4
?
7−3=4
4=4

The result satisfies the original equation. Thus, 𝒙 = 𝟒𝟗.

Example 3: Solve for the value of 𝑦 in 𝑦 = √𝑦 − 7 + 7.

Solution/Explanation: 1. Isolate the radical expression on one side of the

equation.

𝑦 = √𝑦 − 7 + 7
𝑦 − 7 = √𝑦 − 7

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Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9

2. Square both sides of the equation to remove the

radical.
2
(𝑦 − 7)2 = (√𝑦 − 7)
(𝑦 − 7)2 = 𝑦 − 7

3. Expand (𝑦 − 7)2, then solve for 𝑦.

(𝑦 − 7)2 = 𝑦 − 7
2
𝑦 − 14𝑦 + 49 = 𝑦 − 7
2
𝑦 − 14𝑦 − 𝑦 + 49 + 7 = 0
𝑦 2 − 15𝑦 + 56 = 0
(𝑦 − 7)(𝑦 − 8) = 0

𝑦−7=0
𝑦=7

𝑦−8=0
𝑦=8

Thus, 𝑦 = 7 or 𝑦 = 8.

4. Check the results by substituting 𝑦 = 7 and 𝑦 = 8

into the original equation.

Let us substitute 𝑦 = 8 in the original equation.

?
𝑦 = √𝑦 − 7 + 7
?
8 = √8 − 7 + 7
?
8 = √1 + 7
?
8=1+7
8=8

Thus, 𝑦 = 8 is a solution.

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9

Let us substitute 𝑦 = 7 in the original equation.

?
𝑦 = √𝑦 − 7 + 7
?
7 = √7 − 7 + 7
?
7 = √0 + 7
?
7=0+7
7=7

Thus, 𝑦 = 7 is a solution.

Therefore, the solutions of the equation are 𝒚 = 𝟕 and

𝒚 = 𝟖.

C. Practice and Feedback

Teacher’s Notes
Use the Let’s Practice! slides of the corresponding presentation file to present the
questions for practice. You may also refer to the Try It Yourself! questions provided in
the study guide for varieties.

For individual practice

1. Ask the students to answer the following problem items individually using pen and
paper.
2. Give students enough time to answer the problem items.
3. Call a random student to show his or her work on the board afterward.
4. Let the student share how he or she comes up with his or her solution.
5. Inform the student the accuracy of his answer and solution, and in the case when
there is some sort of misconception, lead the student to the right direction to find the
correct answer.

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9

Problem 1: Solve for the value of 𝑥 in √𝑥 = 13.

Solution/Explanation: 1. Square both sides of the equation to remove the

radical.

2
(√𝑥) = (13)2
𝑥 = 169

2. Check the result by substituting 𝑥 = 169 into the

original equation.

?
√𝑥 = 13
?
√169 = 13
13 = 13

The result satisfies the original equation. Thus, 𝒙 = 𝟏𝟔𝟗.

Problem 2: Solve for the solution of √𝑥 + 7 = 18.

Solution/Explanation: 1. Isolate the radical expression on one side of the

equation.

√𝑥 + 7 = 18
√𝑥 = 18 − 7
√𝑥 = 11

2. Square both sides of the equation to remove the

radical.

2
(√𝑥) = 112
𝑥 = 121

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9

3. Check the result by substituting 𝑥 = 121 into the

original equation.

?
√𝑥 + 7 = 18
?
√121 + 7 = 18
?
11 + 7 = 18
18 = 18

The result satisfies the original equation. Thus, 𝒙 = 𝟏𝟐𝟏.

Problem 3: Solve for the value of 𝑥 if 𝑥 = √𝑥 − 3 + 5.

Solution/Explanation: 1. Isolate the radical on one side of the equation.

𝑥 = √𝑥 − 3 + 5
𝑥 − 5 = √𝑥 − 3

2. Square both sides of the equation to remove the

radical.

2
(𝑥 − 5)2 = (√𝑥 − 3)
(𝑥 − 5)2 = 𝑥 − 3

3. Expand (𝑥 − 5)2 , then solve for 𝑥.

(𝑥 − 5)2 = 𝑥 − 3
𝑥 2 − 10𝑥 + 25 = 𝑥 − 3
𝑥 2 − 10𝑥 − 𝑥 + 25 + 3 = 0
𝑥 2 − 11𝑥 + 28 = 0
(𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 − 7) = 0

Thus, 𝑥 = 4 or 𝑥 = 7.

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Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9

4. Check the results by substituting 𝑥 = 4 and 𝑥 = 7 into

the original equation.

Let us substitute 𝑥 = 4 in the original equation.

?
𝑥 = √𝑥 − 3 + 5
?
4 = √4 − 3 + 5
?
4 = √1 + 5
?
4=1+5
4≠6

Thus, 𝑥 = 4 is not a solution.

Let us substitute 𝑥 = 7 in the original equation.

?
𝑥 = √𝑥 − 3 + 5
?
7 = √7 − 3 + 5
?
7 = √4 + 5
?
7=2+5
7=7

Thus, 𝑥 = 7 is a solution.

Therefore, 𝒙 = 𝟕 is the only solution to the system.

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9
For group practice
1. Ask the students to form a minimum of 2 groups to a maximum of 5 groups.
2. Each group will answer problem items 4 and 5. These questions are meant to test
students’ higher-order thinking skills by working collaboratively with their peers.
3. Give students enough time to analyze the problem and work on their solution.
4. Ask each group to assign a representative to show their solution on the board and
discuss as a group how they come up with their solution.
5. Inform the student the accuracy of his answer and solution, and in the case when
there is some sort of misconception, give the student opportunity to work with his/her
peers to re-analyze the problem, and then lead them to the right direction to find the
correct answer.

Problem 4: The period 𝑇, in seconds, of a simple pendulum can be

𝐿
determined using the formula 𝑇 = 2𝜋√𝑔, where 𝐿 is the

length of the pendulum in meters and 𝑔 is the acceleration

due to gravity, which is 9.8 𝑚/𝑠 2 . What is the length of the
pendulum if its period is 1 second?

Solution/Explanation: 1. Determine the given values.

In the given problem, 𝑇 = 1 second and 𝑔 = 9.8 𝑚/𝑠 2 .

We are looking for the value of 𝐿, which is the length
of the pendulum.

2. Solve for the length of the pendulum.

Let us substitute the given values and determine the

value of 𝐿.

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9

𝐿
𝑇 = 2𝜋√
𝑔

𝐿
1 = 2𝜋√
9.8
√𝐿
1 = 2𝜋 ⋅
√9.8
√9.8
= √𝐿
2𝜋
2
√9.8 2
( ) = (√𝐿)
2𝜋
9.8
=𝐿
4𝜋 2
9.8
𝐿= 2
4𝜋
𝐿 ≈ 0.2482

It follows that the length of the pendulum is approximately

𝟎. 𝟐𝟒𝟖𝟐 meters.

Problem 5:
Determine the value of √2 + √2 + √2 + ⋯ .

Solution/Explanation: Let 𝑥 be the value of the number.

𝑥 = √2 + √2 + √2 + ⋯

Let us take the square of both sides of the equation.

𝑥 2 = (√2 + √2 + √2 + ⋯ )

= 2 + √2 + √2 + ⋯

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9

Note that the second term of the expression is a continuous

radical expression similar to the value of 𝑥 above. This means
that we can substitute this part by 𝑥.

𝑥 2 = 2 + √2 + √2 + ⋯
𝑥2 = 2 + 𝑥

Let us express this as a quadratic equation and solve for its

roots.

𝑥2 = 2 + 𝑥
2
𝑥 −𝑥−2=0
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 1) = 0

𝑥−2=0
𝑥=2

𝑥+1=0
𝑥 = −1

Note that the square root of √2 + √2 + √2 + ⋯ is a positive

number. Thus, this expression cannot be equal to −1. This

means that √𝟐 + √𝟐 + √𝟐 + ⋯ = 𝟐.

Web Box

For further reading and more examples, you may visit the following web pages:

• Stapel, Elizabeth. "Solving Radical Equations: Concepts." Purplemath. Retrieved

1 June 2019 from https://bit.ly/2EOATeG

• Pierce, Rod. “Solving Radical Equations.” Math Is Fun. Retrieved 5 June 2019
from http://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/radical-equations-solving.html

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9

Performance Assessment

This performance assessment serves as formative assessment, divided into three sets
based on student’s level of learning. See next pages for separate printable worksheets.
• Worksheet I (for beginners)
• Worksheet II (for average learners)
• Worksheet III (for advanced learners)

Teacher’s Notes
For a standard performance assessment regardless of the student’s level of learning,
you may give the problem items provided in the Check Your Understanding section of
the study guide.

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9
Worksheet I

A. Solve the following radical equations. (15 points)

1. √𝑥 − 2 = 5

2. √𝑥 − 1 = 𝑥 − 7

3. √25 − 𝑥 2 = 4

4. √2𝑥 − 5 = 3
3

5. √𝑥 − 2 = 5

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9
B. Solve the following word problems. (5 points)

1. The geometric mean of two numbers 𝑎 and 𝑏 is expressed as 𝑚 = √𝑎𝑏. The geometric
mean of two numbers is 8. If one of the numbers is 4, what is the other number?

Solution and answer:

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9
Worksheet II

A. Solve the following radical equations. (15 points)

1. √𝑥 − 3 − √𝑥 = 3

2. √𝑥 − 3 + √𝑥 = 3

3. √9𝑥 2 + 4 = 3𝑥 + 2

4. √𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 1 = 𝑥
3

5. √2𝑥 2 − 7 = 3 − 𝑥

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9
B. Solve the following word problem. (5 points)

1. The square root of a number is twice its cube root. What is the number?

Solution and answer:

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9
Worksheet III

A. Solve the following radical equations. (15 points)

1. √2𝑥 + 9 − √𝑥 + 1 = √𝑥 + 4

2. √𝑥 + 4 + √2𝑥 − 1 = 3√𝑥 − 1

3. √𝑥 + √𝑥 − 7 = √𝑥 + 33

4. 𝑥 + 1 = √𝑥 4 + 4𝑥 3 − 𝑥
4

5. √17𝑥 − √𝑥 2 − 5 = 7

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9
B. Solve the following word problem. (5 points)

1. Determine the value of √5 + √5 + √5 + ⋯.

Solution and answer:

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9
Answer Key

Worksheet I

A. 1. 𝑥 = 27
2. 𝑥 = 10
3. 𝑥 = 3 or 𝑥 = −3
4. 𝑥 = 16
5. 𝑥 = 49

B. 1. 16

Worksheet II

A. 1. no solution
2. 𝑥 = 4
3. 𝑥 = 0
1
4. 𝑥 = 3
5. 𝑥 = −8 or 𝑥 = 2

B. 1. 64

Worksheet III

A. 1. 𝑥 = 0
2. 𝑥 = 5
3. 𝑥 = 16
1 1
4. 𝑥 = − 2 or 𝑥 = − 3
5. 𝑥 = 3

1+√21
B. 2

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 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions • Grade 9

Synthesis

Wrap-up To summarize the lesson, ask students the following

questions:
1. What are radical equations?
2. How would you know if a root is extraneous or not?

Application and Values To integrate values and build connection to the real world,
Integration ask students the following questions:
1. What are the difficulties you encountered in solving
radical equations? How did you overcome those
difficulties?
2. Why is it important to always check your answer in
solving radical equations?

Bridge to the Next Topic To spark interest for the next lesson, ask students the
following questions:
1. What is a parallelogram?
2. What are the properties of a parallelogram?

Bibliography
Bernal, Juvy S. et al. Conceptual Math & Beyond 9. Quezon City: Brilliant Creations Publishing,
Inc. 2014.

Pierce, Rod. “Solving Radical Equations.” Math Is Fun. Retrieved 5 June 2019 from
http://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/radical-equations-solving.html

Stapel, Elizabeth. "Solving Radical Equations: Concepts." Purplemath. Retrieved 1 June 2019
from https://bit.ly/2EOATeG

Varsity Tutors. “Extraneous Solutions.” Varsity Tutors LLC. Retrieved 5 June 2019 from
https://www.varsitytutors.com/hotmath/hotmath_help/topics/extraneous-solutions

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