26.6: A.6- Solving an equation using the solver

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Thomas Tradler and Holly Carley
CUNY New York City College of Technology via New York City College of Technology at CUNY Academic Works

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We now solve the equation $x^2=2$. The first thing we must do in order to use the equation solver is to rewrite the equation as an expression equal to zero, that is we need to write it in the format ‘something$=0$.’ In our example this will be $x^2-2=0$. Now, let’s go to the equation solver. Press $\boxed{\text{math}}$ and use the cursor to go to the bottom of the list and press enter when ’Solver...’ is highlighted. Various things appear on the screen. Press the up arrow $\boxed{\triangle}$ until ’EQUATION SOLVER’ appears on the top line. Edit the right hand side of the equation on the second line so that it reads ’$0=x^2-2$’ and press $\boxed{\text{enter}}$.

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Next, on the second line pick a number near where you expect the answer to be, for example, ’$x=1$’.

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Now solve by pressing$\boxed{\text{alpha}}$$\boxed{\text{enter}}$. The second line gives an answer (check that it is a square root of two!).

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What happens if you had entered ‘$x=-1$’ on the second line (use $\boxed{\text{(-)}}$ here)?