Never divide both sides by an algebraic expression on the SAT! Move terms to one side and factor to preserve all roots.

Never divide both sides by an algebraic expression on the SAT! Move terms to one side and factor to preserve all roots.
Always test your roots after squaring radical equations! One candidate is almost always extraneous on the SAT.
Never divide by x on the SAT! Canceling expressions loses roots instantly. Here is the bulletproof factoring method.