word problem solving involving radicals

Radical Equation Word Problems - Examples & Practice - Expii

Radical Equations

Solving radical equations.

Learning how to solve radical equations requires a lot of practice and familiarity of the different types of problems. In this lesson, the goal is to show you detailed worked solutions of some problems with varying levels of difficulty.

What is a Radical Equation?

An equation wherein the variable is contained inside a radical symbol or has a rational exponent. In particular, we will deal with the square root which is the consequence of having an exponent of [latex]\Large{1 \over 2}[/latex].

Key Steps to Solve Radical Equations:

1) Isolate the radical symbol on one side of the equation

2) Square both sides of the equation to eliminate the radical symbol

3) Solve the equation that comes out after the squaring process

4) Check your answers with the original equation to avoid extraneous values or solutions

Examples of How to Solve Radical Equations

Example 1 : Solve the radical equation

The radical is by itself on one side so it is fine to square both sides of the equations to get rid of the radical symbol. Then proceed with the usual steps in solving linear equations.

You must ALWAYS check your answers to verify if they are “truly” the solutions. Some answers from your calculations may be extraneous. Substitute x = 16 back into the original radical equation to see whether it yields a true statement.

Yes, it checks, so x = 16 is a solution.

Example 2 : Solve the radical equation

The setup looks good because the radical is again isolated on one side. So I can square both sides to eliminate that square root symbol. Be careful dealing with the right side when you square the binomial (x−1). You must apply the FOIL method correctly.

We move all the terms to the right side of the equation and then proceed with factoring out the trinomial. Applying the Zero-Product Property, we obtain the values of x = 1 and x = 3 .

Caution: Always check your calculated values from the original radical equation to make sure that they are true answers and not extraneous or “false” answers.

Looks good for both of our solved values of x after checking, so our solutions are x = 1 and x = 3 .

Example 3 : Solve the radical equation

We need to recognize the radical symbol is not isolated just yet on the left side. It means we have to get rid of that −1 before squaring both sides of the equation. A simple step of adding both sides by 1 should take care of that problem. After doing so, the “new” equation is similar to the ones we have gone over so far.

Our possible solutions are x = −2 and x = 5 . Notice I use the word “possible” because it is not final until we perform our verification process of checking our values against the original radical equation.

Since we arrive at a false statement when x = -2, therefore that value of x is considered to be extraneous  so we disregard it! Leaving us with one true answer, x = 5 .

Example 4 : Solve the radical equation

The left side looks a little messy because there are two radical symbols. But it is not that bad! Always remember the key steps suggested above. Since both of the square roots are on one side that means it’s definitely ready for the entire radical equation to be squared.

So for our first step, let’s square both sides and see what happens.

It is perfectly normal for this type of problem to see another radical symbol after the first application of squaring. The good news coming out from this is that there’s only one left. From this point, try to isolate again the single radical on the left side, which should force us to relocate the rest to the opposite side.

As you can see, that simplified radical equation is definitely familiar . Proceed with the usual way of solving it and make sure that you always verify the solved values of x against the original radical equation.

I will leave it to you to check that indeed x = 4 is a solution.

Example 5 : Solve the radical equation

This problem is very similar to example 4. The only difference is that this time around both of the radicals has binomial expressions. The approach is also to square both sides since the radicals are on one side, and simplify. But we need to perform the second application of squaring to fully get rid of the square root symbol.

The solution is x = 2 . You may verify it by substituting the value back into the original radical equation and see that it yields a true statement.

Example 6 : Solve the radical equation

It looks like our first step is to square both sides and observe what comes out afterward. Don’t forget to combine like terms every time you square the sides. If it happens that another radical symbol is generated after the first application of squaring process, then it makes sense to do it one more time. Remember, our goal is to get rid of the radical symbols to free up the variable we are trying to solve or isolate.

Well, it looks like we will need to square both sides again because of the newly generated radical symbol. But we must isolate the radical first on one side of the equation before doing so. I will keep the square root on the left, and that forces me to move everything to the right.

Looking good so far! Now it’s time to square both sides again to finally eliminate the radical.

Be careful though in squaring the left side of the equation. You must also square that −2 to the left of the radical.

What we have now is a quadratic equation in the standard form. The best way to solve for x is to use the Quadratic Formula where a = 7, b = 8, and c = −44.

So the possible solutions are [latex]x = 2[/latex], and [latex]x = {{ – 22} \over 7}[/latex].

I will leave it to you to check those two values of “x” back into the original radical equation. I hope you agree that x = 2 is the only solution while the other value is an extraneous solution, so disregard it!

Example 7 : Solve the radical equation

There are two ways to approach this problem. I could immediately square both sides to get rid of the radicals or multiply the two radicals first then square. Both procedures should arrive at the same answers when properly done. For this, I will use the second approach.

Next, move everything to the left side and solve the resulting Quadratic equation.  You can use the Quadratic formula to solve it, but since it is easily factorable I will just factor it out.

The possible solutions then are [latex]x = {{ – 5} \over 2}[/latex] and [latex]x = 3[/latex] .

I will leave it to you to check the answers. The only answer should be [latex]x = 3[/latex] which makes the other one an extraneous solution.

You might also like these tutorials:

• Radical Equations Practice Problems with Answers
• Simplifying Radical Expressions
• Adding and Subtracting Radical Expressions
• Multiplying Radical Expressions
• Rationalizing the Denominator

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Roots and Radicals

Solve Radical Equations

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Solve radical equations
• Solve radical equations with two radicals
• Use radicals in applications

Before you get started, take this readiness quiz.

In this section we will solve equations that have a variable in the radicand of a radical expression. An equation of this type is called a radical equation .

An equation in which a variable is in the radicand of a radical expression is called a radical equation .

As usual, when solving these equations, what we do to one side of an equation we must do to the other side as well. Once we isolate the radical, our strategy will be to raise both sides of the equation to the power of the index. This will eliminate the radical.

Solving radical equations containing an even index by raising both sides to the power of the index may introduce an algebraic solution that would not be a solution to the original radical equation. Again, we call this an extraneous solution as we did when we solved rational equations.

In the next example, we will see how to solve a radical equation. Our strategy is based on raising a radical with index n to the n th power. This will eliminate the radical.

• Isolate the radical on one side of the equation.
• Raise both sides of the equation to the power of the index.
• Solve the new equation.
• Check the answer in the original equation.

When we use a radical sign, it indicates the principal or positive root. If an equation has a radical with an even index equal to a negative number, that equation will have no solution.

Because the square root is equal to a negative number, the equation has no solution.

If one side of an equation with a square root is a binomial, we use the Product of Binomial Squares Pattern when we square it.

Don’t forget the middle term!

When the index of the radical is 3, we cube both sides to remove the radical.

Sometimes the solution of a radical equation results in two algebraic solutions, but one of them may be an extraneous solution !

When there is a coefficient in front of the radical, we must raise it to the power of the index, too.

Solve Radical Equations with Two Radicals

If the radical equation has two radicals, we start out by isolating one of them. It often works out easiest to isolate the more complicated radical first.

In the next example, when one radical is isolated, the second radical is also isolated.

Sometimes after raising both sides of an equation to a power, we still have a variable inside a radical. When that happens, we repeat Step 1 and Step 2 of our procedure. We isolate the radical and raise both sides of the equation to the power of the index again.

We summarize the steps here. We have adjusted our previous steps to include more than one radical in the equation This procedure will now work for any radical equations.

• Isolate one of the radical terms on one side of the equation.

If yes, repeat Step 1 and Step 2 again.

Use Radicals in Applications

As you progress through your college courses, you’ll encounter formulas that include radicals in many disciplines. We will modify our Problem Solving Strategy for Geometry Applications slightly to give us a plan for solving applications with formulas from any discipline.

• Read the problem and make sure all the words and ideas are understood. When appropriate, draw a figure and label it with the given information.
• Identify what we are looking for.
• Name what we are looking for by choosing a variable to represent it.
• Translate into an equation by writing the appropriate formula or model for the situation. Substitute in the given information.
• Solve the equation using good algebra techniques.
• Check the answer in the problem and make sure it makes sense.
• Answer the question with a complete sentence.

One application of radicals has to do with the effect of gravity on falling objects. The formula allows us to determine how long it will take a fallen object to hit the gound.

On Earth, if an object is dropped from a height of h feet, the time in seconds it will take to reach the ground is found by using the formula

It would take 2 seconds for an object dropped from a height of 64 feet to reach the ground.

Police officers investigating car accidents measure the length of the skid marks on the pavement. Then they use square roots to determine the speed , in miles per hour, a car was going before applying the brakes.

If the length of the skid marks is d feet, then the speed, s , of the car before the brakes were applied can be found by using the formula

Access these online resources for additional instruction and practice with solving radical equations.

• Solving an Equation Involving a Single Radical
• Solving Equations with Radicals and Rational Exponents
• Solving Radical Equations
• Radical Equation Application

Key Concepts

Practice Makes Perfect

In the following exercises, solve.

no solution

In the following exercises, solve. Round approximations to one decimal place.

Writing Exercises

Answers will vary.

ⓐ After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.

ⓑ After reviewing this checklist, what will you do to become confident for all objectives?

Intermediate Algebra Copyright © 2017 by OSCRiceUniversity is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Solving Radical Equations Worksheets

These printable worksheets deal with equations having roots. They are a combination of numerical and word problems. There are even some worksheets that need you to color the correct option.

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How To : Solve word problems containing radical equations

See how to unpack and solve a word problem containing radical equations with this free video math lesson from Internet pedagogical superstar Simon Khan. From Ramanujan to calculus co-creator Gottfried Leibniz, many of the world's best and brightest mathematical minds have belonged to autodidacts. And, thanks to the Internet, it's easier than ever to follow in their footsteps (or just finish your homework or study for that next big test).

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Chapter 9: Radicals

9.3 Adding and Subtracting Radicals

Adding and subtracting radicals is similar to adding and subtracting variables. The condition is that the variables, like the radicals, must be identical before they can be added or subtracted. Recall the addition and subtraction of like variables:

Example 9.3.1

Simplify [latex]4x^2 + 5x - 6x^2 + 3x - 2x[/latex].

First, we sort out like variables and reorder them to be combined.

[latex]\begin{array}{ll} & {4x}^{2} + 5x - 6x^{2} + 3x - 2x \\ \text{becomes}& {4x}^{2}-{6x}^{2}\text{ and }5x+3x-2x \end{array}[/latex]

Combining like variables yields:

[latex]-2x^2 + 6x[/latex]

When adding and subtracting radicals, follow the same logic. Radicals must be the same before they can be combined.

Example 9.3.2

Simplify [latex]5\sqrt{11} + 5\sqrt{13} - 2\sqrt{13} + 6\sqrt{11} - 2\sqrt{11}[/latex].

[latex]\begin{array}{ll} & 5\sqrt{11} + 5\sqrt{13} - 2\sqrt{13} + 6\sqrt{11} - 2\sqrt{11} \\ \text{becomes}& 5\sqrt{13}-2\sqrt{13}\text{ and }5\sqrt{11}+6\sqrt{11}-2\sqrt{11} \end{array}[/latex]

Combining like radicals yields:

[latex]3\sqrt{13} + 9\sqrt{11}[/latex]

Generally, it is required to simplify radicals before combining them. For example:

Example 9.3.3

Simplify [latex]4\sqrt{45} + 3\sqrt{18} - \sqrt{98} + 2\sqrt{20}[/latex].

All of these radicals need to be simplified before they can be combined.

[latex]\begin{array}{ll} & 4\sqrt{45}+3\sqrt{18}-\sqrt{98}+2\sqrt{20} \\ \text{becomes} & 4\sqrt{9\cdot 5}+3\sqrt{9\cdot 2} - \sqrt{49\cdot 2}+2\sqrt{5\cdot 4} \\ \text{simplifying to}& 4\cdot3\sqrt{5}+3\cdot 3\sqrt{2}-7\sqrt{2}+2\cdot 2\sqrt{5} \\ \text{and reduces to}&12\sqrt{5}+9\sqrt{2}-7\sqrt{2}+4\sqrt{5} \end{array}[/latex]

Recombining these so they can be added and subtracted yields:

[latex]12\sqrt{5}+4\sqrt{5}\text{ and }9\sqrt{2}-7\sqrt{2}[/latex]

[latex]16\sqrt{5} + 2\sqrt{2}[/latex]

Higher order radicals are treated in the same fashion as square roots. For example:

Example 9.3.4

Simplify [latex]4\sqrt[3]{54} - 9\sqrt[3]{16} + 5\sqrt[3]{9}[/latex].

Like example 9.3.3, these radicals need to be simplified before they can be combined.

[latex]\begin{array}{ll} & 4 \sqrt[3]{54} - 9 \sqrt[3]{16} + 5 \sqrt[3]{9} \\ \text{becomes} & 4 \sqrt[3]{27\cdot 2} - 9 \sqrt[3]{8\cdot 2} + 5 \sqrt[3]{9} \\ \text{simplifying to} & 4 \cdot 3 \sqrt[3]{2} - 9 \cdot 2 \sqrt[3]{2} + 5 \sqrt[3]{9} \\ \text{and reduces to}& 12 \sqrt[3]{2} - 18 \sqrt[3]{2} + 5 \sqrt[3]{9} \end{array}[/latex]

[latex]5\sqrt[3]{9} - 6\sqrt[3]{2}[/latex]

• [latex]2\sqrt{5}+2\sqrt{5}+2\sqrt{5}[/latex]
• [latex]-3\sqrt{6}-3\sqrt{3}-2\sqrt{3}[/latex]
• [latex]-3\sqrt{2}+3\sqrt{5}+3\sqrt{5}[/latex]
• [latex]-2\sqrt{6}-\sqrt{3}-3\sqrt{6}[/latex]
• [latex]2\sqrt{2}-3\sqrt{18}-\sqrt{2}[/latex]
• [latex]-\sqrt{54}-3\sqrt{6}+3\sqrt{27}[/latex]
• [latex]-3\sqrt{6}-\sqrt{12}+3\sqrt{3}[/latex]
• [latex]-\sqrt{5}-\sqrt{5}-2\sqrt{54}[/latex]
• [latex]3\sqrt{2}+2\sqrt{8}-3\sqrt{18}[/latex]
• [latex]2\sqrt{20}+2\sqrt{20}-\sqrt{3}[/latex]
• [latex]3\sqrt{18}-\sqrt{2}-3\sqrt{2}[/latex]
• [latex]-3\sqrt{27}+2\sqrt{3}-\sqrt{12}[/latex]
• [latex]-3\sqrt{6}-3\sqrt{6}-\sqrt{3}+3\sqrt{6}[/latex]
• [latex]-2\sqrt{2}-\sqrt{2}+3\sqrt{8}+3\sqrt{6}[/latex]
• [latex]-2\sqrt{18}-3\sqrt{8}-\sqrt{20}+2\sqrt{20}[/latex]
• [latex]-3\sqrt{18}-\sqrt{8}+2\sqrt{8}+2\sqrt{8}[/latex]
• [latex]-2\sqrt{24}-2\sqrt{6}+2\sqrt{6}+2\sqrt{20}[/latex]
• [latex]-3\sqrt{8}-\sqrt{5}-3\sqrt{6}+2\sqrt{18}[/latex]
• [latex]3\sqrt{24}-3\sqrt{27}+2\sqrt{6}+2\sqrt{8}[/latex]
• [latex]2\sqrt{6}-\sqrt{54}-3\sqrt{27}-\sqrt{3}[/latex]

Answer Key 9.3

Intermediate Algebra Copyright © 2020 by Terrance Berg is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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ChatGPT: Disruptive or Constructive?

Thursday, Jul 18, 2024 • Jeremiah Valentine : [email protected]

What is Chat GPT?

ChatGPT is a popular emerging technology using Artificial Intelligence. GPT stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer, which describes an AI program that looks for patterns in language and data learning to predict the next word in a sentence or the next paragraph in an essay. The website has a friendly interface that allows users to interact with AI in a n efficient conversational tone . ChatGPT provides another opportunity for students, instructors, researchers, workers, and others to find practical solutions to everyday and complicated problems.

At the root of this conversation is Artificial Intelligence. I plan to explore applicable uses of AI and ChatGPT in the classroom , entrepreneurial potential uses, and applications in industry .

Everyday Uses of Artificial Intelligence

The use of Artificial I ntelligence varies based on the user and their end goal. While many individuals will use certain programs or websites to meet specific objectives , many companies and apps have begun to utilize this emerging technology to better meet their customer's needs.

Duolingo is a popular foreign language learning application that I use to supplement my Spanish studies . The app uses Artificial Intelligence to assess users' knowledge and understanding as they interact with the program , thus streamlining users learning outcomes.

As another example, Khan Academy is a free online resource that helps teachers and students learn any level of math or other grade school topics for free. They have created Khanmigo , using AI. The model acts as a tutor that helps work through a problem while not directly providing the answer. It can assist in writing an essay or solving a complex math problem step by step.

These everyday applications continue a trend of companies implementing this new technolog y into students and teachers' lives . . This new AI technology also allows business professionals to enhance aspects of their processes.

Entrepreneurs, A.I. and the Advantages

While AI already provides companies and organizations with new ways to interact with and better support their customers, AI could also provide emerging industries and entrepreneurs with new paths to business success. 

According to Entrpreneur.com, most businesses currently use AI for customer service purposes , however , AI could also help entrepreneurs create effective spreadsheets cataloging useful data with accuracy that can be incredibly specific or broad. Specifically with customer service, AI can quickly find what a customer needs and solve their problems efficiently. It could also analyze how effective marketing campaigns are influencing customers’ purchases.

As I researched for more information about this topic, I found an article in The Journal of Business Venturing Insights published in March 2023, sharing different techniques business students can use ChatGPT as an asset to generate entrepreneurial business pitches. The article titled “ The Artificially Intelligent Entrepreneur” written by Cole Short, an Assistant Professor of Strategy at Pepperdine University, and Jeremy C. Short, a UTA alumni and Professor at the University of North Texas at Denton, showcased different elevator pitch scenarios.

Students and entrepreneurs study CEOs who have impacted an industry dynamically; the CEO's mentality is an asset . I had the opportunity to question Dr. Jeremy Short on how he arrived at the initial question of using AI as a CEO archetype business consultant. An archetype is a symbol, term, or pattern of behavior which others have replicated or emulated.

He responded, “ We used this existing framework and selected a CEO from each archetype and used ChatGPT to create elevator pitches, social media pitches, and crowdfunding pitches. The strength of ChatGPT is based largely on the creativity of the prompt, which is where we aim as authors.”

CEO Archetypes and Prompt Engineering

ChatGPT allows the user to understand the archetypes of successful CEOs and collaborate with entrepreneurial styles. These archetypes are accessible options to consult with AI. Let ’ s break down different CEO archetypes students used during this study:

Creator CEOs are typically serial entrepreneurs and serve during the growth stages of developing new businesses. These individuals are risk takers recognizing opportunities that others don ’ t see. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter is the creator archetype.

Transformer CEOs are created by climbing the ladder of a successful business and adding new ideas . They have a firm understanding of the company's culture and work to dramatically change the company, separating it from missteps in the past. Indra Nooyi CEO of PepsiCo is the transformer archetype.

Savior CEOs rescue businesses on the verge of failure with disciplined actions, unique experience and insights they forge a successful path forward for declining businesses. Lisa Su, CEO of AMD is the savior archetype.

ChatGPT was prompted to write an elevator pitch in the style of the previously listed CEOs. 

The response for Elon Musk included language about “ building” a product with “ cutting-edge technology.” 

Indra Nooyi ’s response included phrases like “ the world is changing” and making “ a positive impact in the world.” 

Lisa Su's response produced a pitch speaking about being “ accountable, tough and disciplined” with an emphasis on “ a strong focus on efficiency and performance.”

However, I believe these positions can help entrepreneurs develop their own successful business practices; creating a product your former employer could use to gain an advantage over the competition is disruptive. B uying a company on the brink of bankruptcy that has been mismanaged is a scenario entrepreneurs have explored and practiced .

Prompt engineering is the description of a task AI can accomplish , with instructions embedded in the input. Using prompt engineering, users can fine-tune their input to achieve a desired output incorporating a task description to guide the AI model. 

Conversation around ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence

I asked Dr. Short about how students could use this technology as an asset that guides their learning and, additionally, how instructors can use this as well. He spoke about an assignment he is currently using in his classes. “ Chat GPT might be valuable in helping create a recipe for material that students can then refine. For example, in my social entrepreneurship class students create crowdfunding campaigns for either DonorsChoose , a platform that caters to public school teachers or GoFundMe , a service which allows a variety of project types to a larger userbase . I plan on students using ChatGPT to create a ‘rough draft’ to show me so I can see how they refine their responses for their particular campaigns this upcoming fall.” Th is approach allows students to take advantage of popular technology in a constructive way.

The journal article provided some notable conclusions about ChatGPT , i ncluding “ quality control is essential when using automated tools; a hallmark of success for large language models is their vast associative memory, this strength can also be a weakness. Specifically, models such as OpenAI’s GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 are capable of confidently generating “ hallucinated” output that appears correct but, it is incorrect or completely fabricated. ChatGPT serves as an emerging tool that can efficiently and flexibly produce a range of narrative content for entrepreneurs and serve to inspire future research at the intersection of entrepreneurship and AI.” ChatGPT ’s limitations and potential applications are continually being explored.

Industry Application

After researching various applications of AI, I spoke with Dr. George Benson, Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Management at The University of Texas at Arlington, about AI and ChatGPT from an industry perspective. His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence with Human Resource Management .

Dr. Benson told me that Artificial Intelligence is being invested heavily by human resource departments who are looking to automate hiring practices. Specifically, he mentioned “ HR is using this as a market opportunity. AI is a useful tool to sift through potential applicants by scanning their resumes for qualifications and experiences. Allowing professionals to hire applicants faster.”

This application allows the technology to handle low-level tasks, but the results generated are being handed to a human to review and act on. He spoke about the potential of A.I. “ There are a lot of unknowns, but the technology is new and getting better.” Looking towards the future, technology is already being applied in different ways . These applications are being explored in the classrooms of UTA as well.

Exploration of AI at UTA

The College of Business conduct ed a survey to understand the faculty’s attitude towards A I in the classroom. It was a part of the “Teaching with Chat GPT” workshop on Friday February 9 th , which focus ed on how to integrate Chat GPT and other AI platforms into teaching . 

Dr. Kevin Carr, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Marketing at UTA, was a part of the workshop ; he currently teaches Advanced Business Communication . I talked to him about the purpose of the workshop and what he hopes to gain from the group's sessions. 

Dr. Carr explained "The point of the workshop is designed to give faculty ideas for instruction and to develop classroom activities to work with students . Our goal for th e workshop is to introduce Artificial Intelligence as a teaching tool for faculty, including showing what AI can do potentially in the classroom. We are going to be very open to faculty’s direction, in terms of ongoing discu ssions and meetings.”

Personal Take

Artificial Intelligence or Chat GPT , in my view, is another useful tool in the toolbox of technology. It will take the air out of certain industries, and it will change jobs, yet every major technological advancement has the potential to do so. The automobile was considered radical, the use of plastic, computers in the workplace, and alternative energy have been impactful on society. 

Alternative energy was headlined as the end of oil use. The automobile changed the way cities were formed and led to the creation of a national highway system. Society has always found a way to adapt and overcome major technological innovations, artificial intelligence is not any different.

AI is the technology of tomorrow. It reminds me of something Dr. George Benson said , “ It's cool software that is a sophisticated search engine.” Google, one of the most popular search engines, reshaped the internet, as you search for resources, it is a natural starting point. AI and ChatGPT are an evolution, for students it is a tremendous resource consulting a CEO archetype, creating business pitches, and most importantly shaping the future .

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Here's what we know about CrowdStrike, the company potentially to blame for a global tech outage

A technical issue related to a US-based cybersecurity firm named CrowdStrike caused computers running Microsoft software across Australia and abroad to glitch on Friday.

The global outage impacted a raft of Australian companies and government agencies, causing many computers to attempt to restart and display a blue-screen error message.

Here's what we know so far.

What is CrowdStrike?

CrowdStrike is a US-based cybersecurity firm that helps companies manage their security in "IT environments" — that is, everything they use an internet connection to access.

Its primary function is to protect companies and stop data breaches, ransomware and cyber attacks.

It includes among its main customers global investment banks, universities and even the Australian betting agency TAB Corp.

The cybersecurity environment has changed rapidly in recent years due to the increased presence of threat actors targeting big business, including Ticketmaster, Medibank and Optus.

As a result, more and more companies are turning towards firms like CrowdStrike to protect their customers' information.

What is CrowdStrike used for?

One of the company's main products is CrowdStrike Falcon, which is described on its website as "providing real-time indicators of attack, hyper-accurate detection and automated protection" from possible cybersecurity threats.

CrowdStrike Falcon is used by thousands of companies across the world to protect data, and a software update released on Friday caused a global outage of Microsoft products.

Earlier this week, CrowdStrike announced an update of its Falcon product, saying it would provide "unprecedented speed and precision" to detect security breaches.

In a statement posted to its website following the outage, a CrowdStrike spokesperson said it was likely an issue with the Falcon product that caused the incident.

Who owns CrowdStrike?

The company was founded by former McAfee employee George Kurtz in 2012.

Its ownership structure is a mix of individual investors, institutions and retail.

The company's stock is broken down into two large investor categories. About 40 per cent is owned by institutional investors, and about 57 per cent is owned by public companies and individual investors.

The investor with the largest share is The Vanguard Group, a US investment fund, with about 6.79 per cent of the company.

The question of who owns CrowdStrike was part of a discredited conspiracy theory after the company investigated Russia's role in the 2016 US elections.

Former US president Donald Trump made reference to the conspiracy theory in a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2019.

"I would like to find out what happened with this whole situation with Ukraine, they say CrowdStrike. I guess you have one of your wealthy people," he said.

"The server, they say Ukraine has it … you or your people, and I would like you to get to the bottom of it."

What's next for the company?

Developer websites have already begun posting workarounds for the issue, and CrowdStrike the company offered a solution on its members-only platform until the incident resolves.

CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz released a statement on X on Friday evening, saying the outage was caused by a "defect" in a content update for Microsoft users.

He stressed it was not caused by a cyber attack.

Earlier, Reuters said those who phoned the company were met with a pre-recorded message.

"Thanks for contacting CrowdStrike support. CrowdStrike is aware of reports of crashes on Windows … related to the Falcon sensor."

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