If x>0 and √5x=√3x+1, what is the value of 4x^2?

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If x>0 and √5x=√3x+1, what is the value of 4x^2?

A. 1/2
B. 1
C. 4x-1
D. 10x-1
E. 16x-1

The OA is E.

I'm confused with this PS question. Please, can any expert assist me with it? Thanks in advanced.

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by GMATGuruNY » Wed Nov 22, 2017 6:16 pm
For the sake of clarify, I've added the parentheses to the given equation:
LUANDATO wrote:If x>0 and √(5x) = √(3x) + 1, what is the value of 4x²?

A. 1/2
B. 1
C. 4x-1
D. 10x-1
E. 16x-1
(a + b)² = a² + b² + 2ab.
(a - b)² = a² + b² - 2ab.

√(5x) = √(3x) + 1.

Square both sides:
√(5x)² = ((√3x) + 1)²

Simplify the left side and expand the right side:
5x = 3x + 1 + (2)(√(3x))(1)

On the right side, isolate the term with the root:
2x - 1 = 2(√(3x))

Square both sides:
(2x - 1)² = [2(√(3x))]²

Expand the left side and simplify the right side:
4x² + 1 - (2)(2x)(1) = (4)(3x)

Simplify:
4x² + 1 - 4x = 12x

Isolate 4x²:
4x² = 16x - 1.

The correct answer is E.
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