Question

question 8 of 10
what is the first step in solving a quadratic equation of the form given below?
$(ax + b)^2 = c$

a. take the square root of both sides

b. factor out a common factor

c. divide both sides by c

d. use the zero product rule

Explanation:

To solve a quadratic equation of the form \((ax + b)^2 = c\), the first logical step is to take the square root of both sides to isolate the squared term and start solving for \(x\). Factoring out a common factor (option B) is not applicable here as the equation is already a perfect square. Dividing both sides by \(c\) (option C) is not a standard first step for this form. Using the zero product rule (option D) is for factored quadratic equations set to zero, not for this square - root form.

Answer:

A. Take the square root of both sides