This document provides steps for solving power equations: 1) isolate the variable by raising both sides of the equation to the reciprocal of the power, 2) simplify and solve, 3) check for extraneous solutions using a graphing calculator to find where the left and right sides of the equation intersect. It includes examples of solving various power equations and checking solutions.

1. Solving Power Equations
Power Equation ‐ When the variable is raised to a power
Steps to Solve Power Equations:
1. Isolate the variable
2. Raise both sides of equation to reciprocal of power
3. Simplify and solve
4. Check for extraneous solutions
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2. Review!
Example 1: Check
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3. Example 2: Check
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4. Example 3: Check
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5. Example 4: Check
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6. Example 5: Check
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7. Example 6: Check
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8. Example 8: Check
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9. You can use a graphing calculator to check for solutions.
1. Let Y1 = left side and Y2 = right side.
2. Graph the equations.
3. Find all possible solutions using the intersection. (Find where Y1
= Y2.)
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