How to solve the inequality $x^2>10$ using square roots?

Solution 1:

Sketch the graph of $x^2$ (it's a parabola opening upwards with vertex in $(0,0)$) and sketch the line $y=10$.

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They intersect in $x=-\sqrt{10}$ and $x=\sqrt{10}$, and the sketch immediately gives the solution to the inequality:

$$x<-\sqrt{10} \vee x>\sqrt{10}$$

Solution 2:

Using $a^2 - b^2 = (a+b)(a-b)$, we get $(x-\sqrt{10})(x+\sqrt{10}) > 0$, which mean $x+\sqrt{10}$ and $x-\sqrt{10}$ have the same sign