Question

what is the first step in solving a quadratic equation of the form given below? (ax + b)^2 = c a. use the zero product rule b. divide both sides by c c. factor out a common factor d. take the square root of both sides

Explanation:

To solve the quadratic equation \((ax + b)^2=c\), the goal is to isolate the variable \(x\). Taking the square - root of both sides is the first step to start the process of getting \(x\) alone since it removes the square on the left - hand side. The zero product rule is used when the equation is in factored form equal to zero. Dividing by \(c\) is not the first step as it doesn't simplify the equation towards isolating \(x\). Factoring out a common factor is not applicable here as the left - hand side is already in a squared binomial form.

Answer:

D. Take the square root of both sides