Solve for x: −4|x + 5| = −16

x = 21 /4, x = −11/4
x = −1, x = 9
x = −1, x = −9
no solution

First step is to get rid of the square root. remember that a square root is the same as raising to the (1/2) power. see below: multiply exponents per exponent rules to get: remember you subtract exponents from the denominator and add exponents in the numerator so: simplify further: so a is the correct choice. if you don't understand this google exponent rules and it will you understand. look at the image results.