SAT Math / Advanced Algebra

Extraneous Solutions in Desmos

Part of the full libraryOpens January 2, 2027 · $97 for a year
What’s included
radicalA radical contains a root symbol, such as √x or ∛x. A square root squares to x; a cube root cubes to x.

You’ll leave with these skills

  1. Solve a square root equation in Desmos without squaringGraph each side of the equation exactly as printed and click where the two graphs cross to find the x-value.
  2. Spot a false solution that squaring both sides createsPlug each answer into the original equation and cross out any answer that makes the two sides unequal.
  3. Find the solutions of an absolute value equation by graphingGraph both sides and find their intersections. In the example |2x+3|=13, a horizontal line crosses both arms of the V. Other expressions or a different right side can give a different number of solutions.
  4. Rule out a value that makes a denominator zeroCross out any answer that makes a denominator in the original equation zero, even when the graphs seem to cross there.

This lesson is part of the full library

207 lessons that teach every skill the SAT tests
  • 71Math
  • 40Reading
  • 24Grammar
  • 10 full-length practice tests to build test-day stamina and confidence
  • A Desmos simulator to solve math questions faster
  • A step-by-step guide to every practice test question
  • The Bluebook Simulator, so test day feels familiar
  • A drawing for every key term, so new ideas make sense at a glance

Explore the full library