16Hit1600
Advanced MathMediumCancelling a common factor with a restriction

Advanced Math practice question

If (x + 1)² = 4(x + 1) and x ≠ −1, what is the value of x?

Answer: 3

Since x + 1 ≠ 0, divide both sides by (x + 1): x + 1 = 4, so x = 3.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 1
1 comes from (x + 1) = 2, taking a square root of 4 wrongly.
If you answered 4
4 is x + 1, not x.
If you answered -1
−1 is excluded by the condition x ≠ −1.

More Advanced Math questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.