If x² = 49, what are the possible values of x?

If x² = 49, what are the possible values of x?

• A. 7 only
• B. -7 only
• C. 7 and -7
• D. 0

Answer: (C)

When solving the equation \( x^2 = 49 \), the goal is to determine the values of \( x \) that satisfy this equality. The first step is to take the square root of both sides of the equation. However, it is crucial to remember that squaring a number yields a positive result, meaning both positive and negative roots must be considered. When you take the square root of 49, you find that it can be either 7 or -7 since both \( 7^2 \) and \( (-7)^2 \) equal 49. Thus, the complete solution set includes both values. The possible values of \( x \) are therefore 7 and -7, making this answer comprehensive as it captures both roots of the equation derived from the squaring operation. Hence, the correct response reflects this understanding by listing both possible values.

When solving the equation ( x^2 = 49 ), the goal is to determine the values of ( x ) that satisfy this equality. The first step is to take the square root of both sides of the equation. However, it is crucial to remember that squaring a number yields a positive result, meaning both positive and negative roots must be considered.

When you take the square root of 49, you find that it can be either 7 or -7 since both ( 7^2 ) and ( (-7)^2 ) equal 49. Thus, the complete solution set includes both values.

The possible values of ( x ) are therefore 7 and -7, making this answer comprehensive as it captures both roots of the equation derived from the squaring operation. Hence, the correct response reflects this understanding by listing both possible values.