A Squared Package

The squared expression can have more than one term. In (x + 3)^2 = 16, the expression x + 3 is squared. Taking the square root of both sides gives x + 3 = ±4. Then solve each case for x.

Two short equations remain. x + 3 = 4 gives x = 1, and x + 3 = -4 gives x = -7. The square root step splits the equation into two cases, and subtracting 3 finishes each one.

Any equation that can be written as a squared expression equal to a number can be solved this way: take both square roots, then subtract. Keep the expression inside the parentheses together while you take the root. Solve for x only after that.