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Advanced Math / Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables Difficulty: Hard

x - 1 2 = -4

How many distinct real solutions does the given equation have?

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Explanation

Choice D is correct. Any quantity that is positive or negative in value has a positive value when squared. Therefore, the left-hand side of the given equation is either positive or zero for any value of x . Since the right-hand side of the given equation is negative, there is no value of x for which the given equation is true. Thus, the number of distinct real solutions for the given equation is zero.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.