If x² = 49, x = ?

## The reasoning The equation x² = 49 asks: **"What number, when multiplied by itself, gives 49?"** The principle here is **finding square roots**. When you square root both sides: √(x²) = √49 You get x = ±7 Why the **±** (plus-minus)? Because: - 7 × 7 = 49 ✓ - (-7) × (-7) = 49 ✓ (negative × negative = positive!) Both 7 and -7 satisfy the equation. ## Why the wrong options tempt you **Option A (±5):** You might rush and think 5² = 25... wait, that's not 49. This catches students who don't verify their answer. **Option B (±6):** 6² = 36, not 49. Close, but math doesn't reward "almost." **Option D (±8):** 8² = 64, which overshoots. Some students guess upward when uncertain. The real trap across all wrong options? **Forgetting to check your multiplication** or **forgetting the negative solution** (though here, all options include ±, so they're testing if you know 7² = 49). ## Quick takeaway **When x² = a number, x equals BOTH the positive and negative square root** — always consider both solutions unless the context says otherwise!