x^2 = 4(x – 3)^2

This is a quadratic equation, which contains terms up to x2. All quadratic equations can be written in the form ax2 + bx + c = 0 where a, b and c are numbers, and a cannot be equal to zero. Expand the brackets: x2 = 4(x2 - 6x + 9). Multiply RHS brackets by 4: x2 = 4x2 - 24x + 36. Collect x's on one side: 3x2 - 24x + 36 = 0. Simplify: x2 - 8x + 12 = 0. Factorise: (x - 6)(x - 2) = 0. The product of x - 6 and x - 2 is 0, so one or both brackets must also be equal to 0, hence x = 6 or x = 2. Alternatively you can use the quadratic formula provided in the formula sheet and substitute the corresponding numbers in, or solve by completing the square.

JW
Answered by Jennifer W. Maths tutor

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