Graph y = x 3 and y = 16/x on the same set of coordinate axes. Use the graphs to find the exact solutions to the equation x 3 = 16/x. Verify by substitution that they satisfy the equation.

X3 = 16/x

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multiply both sides by x

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3x² = 16

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divide both sides by 3

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x² = 16 / 3

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take the square root

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x₁ = + 2.3

x₂ = - 2.3

In the figure below you see the two functions. In red y = 3x and in blue y = 16/x.

They intersect at x₁ and x₂.