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Before using the Square Root Property, what must be true of the coefficient on the squared term?
AIt must equal zero
BIt must be negative
CIt must be a fraction
DIt must equal one
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. It must equal one
1. The property is stated for an equation of the form x squared equal to k.
2. So the squared term has to stand alone with a coefficient of one.
3. Divide both sides by the coefficient first if it is anything else.
4. Only then does taking the positive and negative square roots give the correct pair of solutions.
_Source: OpenStax Intermediate Algebra (CC BY 4.0), section 9.1 Solve Quadratic Equations Using the Square Root Property_