If the square root of 20.25 plus the square root of (16 + y²) equals 9.5, find the value of y.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Given:
√20.25 + √(16 + y²) = 9.5
√20.25 = 4.5
4.5 + √(16 + y²) = 9.5
√(16 + y²) = 9.5 − 4.5 = 5
Squaring both sides:
16 + y² = 25
y² = 25 − 16 = 9
y = ±3