Solve for a (x+a)^2=b

${(x + a)}^{2} = b$

Take the square root of both sides of the equation to eliminate the exponent on the left side.

$x + a = \pm \sqrt{b}$

The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.

First, use the positive value of the $\pm$ to find the first solution.

$x + a = \sqrt{b}$

Subtract $x$ from both sides of the equation.

$a = \sqrt{b} - x$

Next, use the negative value of the $\pm$ to find the second solution.

$x + a = - \sqrt{b}$

Subtract $x$ from both sides of the equation.

$a = - \sqrt{b} - x$

The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.

$a = \sqrt{b} - x$

$a = - \sqrt{b} - x$

$a = \sqrt{b} - x$

$a = - \sqrt{b} - x$