4
advanced-math

Solve: 3x212=03x^2 - 12 = 0

A

x=2x = 2

B

x=±2x = \pm 2

C

x=±4x = \pm 4

D

x=±12x = \pm \sqrt{12}

Correct Answer: B

Choice B is the correct answer.

  1. Factor out the GCF of 3: 3(x24)=03(x^2 - 4) = 0.
  2. Divide by 3: x24=0x^2 - 4 = 0.
  3. Factor difference of squares: (x2)(x+2)=0(x - 2)(x + 2) = 0.
  4. Solve: x=2x = 2 or x=2x = -2.

Alternatively, isolate x2x^2: 3x2=12x2=4x=±23x^2 = 12 \Rightarrow x^2 = 4 \Rightarrow x = \pm 2.

Choice A is incorrect because it misses the negative solution. Choice C is incorrect because it forgets to take the square root of 4. Choice D is incorrect because it forgets to divide by 3 first.