A Squared Package

The squared expression can have more than one term. In $\left(x+3\right)^{2} = 16$, the expression $x+3$ is squared. Taking the square root of both sides gives $x+3 = \pm 4$. 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.