Help solving an algebraic equation...?

Question

I'm trying to solve this problem and I keep getting an odd answer...

Solve 2(x+3)^2 = 12

thanks for any help.

Answer 1

2(x + 3)^2 = 12

(x +3)^2 = 6 {divide both sides by 2}

x + 3 = +/1 sqrt(6) {square root of both sides}

x = -3 +/- sqrt(6)

You could do it tis way as well

(x + 3)^2 = 6

x^2 + 6x + 9 = 6

x^2 + 6x + 3 = 0

Quadratic formula

x = [-6 +/- sqrt(36 - 12)]/2

x = [-6 +/- 2sqrt(6)]/2

x = -3 +/- sqrt(6)

Answer 2

you need to expand it.

2*(x^2+6x+9)=12

x^2+6x+9 = 6

x^2+6x+3 = 0

now solve using the quadratic formula