Chapter 3: Problem 55
Solve each equation. For equations with real solutions, support your answers graphically. $$4 x^{2}-20 x+25=0$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution to the equation is \(x = \frac{5}{2}\), verified graphically by a tangent at this point.
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Type of Equation
The given equation is a quadratic equation of the form \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\). In this case, \(a = 4\), \(b = -20\), and \(c = 25\).
02
Calculate the Discriminant
The discriminant of a quadratic equation \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\) is given by \(D = b^2 - 4ac\). Substitute the values of \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) into the discriminant formula: \[D = (-20)^2 - 4(4)(25) = 400 - 400 = 0.\] Since the discriminant is zero, the equation has exactly one real solution.
03
Solve for the Real Solution
When the discriminant is zero, the quadratic equation has a repeated real root. The solution is given by \(x = \frac{-b}{2a}\). Substitute \(b = -20\) and \(a = 4\) into the formula:\[x = \frac{-(-20)}{2 \times 4} = \frac{20}{8} = \frac{5}{2}.\]Thus, the quadratic equation has one real solution: \(x = \frac{5}{2}.\)
04
Graphical Representation
To support the solution graphically, plot the quadratic function \(y = 4x^2 - 20x + 25\) on a coordinate plane. Since there is one real solution, the graph of the parabola will be tangent to the x-axis at \(x = \frac{5}{2}\). This tangency verifies the one real solution found algebraically.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Discriminant
When dealing with quadratic equations of the form \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\), the discriminant is a handy tool. It's calculated using the formula \(D = b^2 - 4ac\). The value of the discriminant tells us about the number and type of solutions the quadratic equation will have.
This equation \(4x^2 - 20x + 25 = 0\) has a discriminant of zero (D = 0). This tells us that it not only has a real solution, but this solution is a double root, occurring at the same point on the number line.
- If \(D > 0\), the equation has two distinct real solutions.
- If \(D = 0\), there's exactly one real solution, which is a repeated root.
- If \(D < 0\), the equation does not have real solutions, only complex ones.
This equation \(4x^2 - 20x + 25 = 0\) has a discriminant of zero (D = 0). This tells us that it not only has a real solution, but this solution is a double root, occurring at the same point on the number line.
Graphical Representation
Graphically, a quadratic equation is represented as a parabola on the coordinate plane. The shape and position of this parabola are determined by the coefficients of the quadratic equation.
When dealing with the function \(y = 4x^2 - 20x + 25\), it can be useful to visualize this on a graph to understand real solutions.
For our specific case:
Because the discriminant was zero (D = 0), the parabola touches the x-axis at exactly one point, corresponding to the single real solution. Using this representation, we observe:
When dealing with the function \(y = 4x^2 - 20x + 25\), it can be useful to visualize this on a graph to understand real solutions.
For our specific case:
- The parabola will either cross the x-axis, touch it at a single point, or miss it altogether.
Because the discriminant was zero (D = 0), the parabola touches the x-axis at exactly one point, corresponding to the single real solution. Using this representation, we observe:
- The parabola opens upwards since the coefficient of \(x^2\) is positive.
- There is a tangency at the x-axis, precisely at \(x = \frac{5}{2}\).
Real Solutions
A real solution for a quadratic equation is a value of \(x\) that satisfies the equation, meaning that when it is plugged into \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\), the equation holds true. Real solutions are of great interest because they correspond to points where the parabola touches or crosses the x-axis.
In our equation, \(4x^2 - 20x + 25 = 0\), we found only one real solution: \(x = \frac{5}{2}\). Here's what happens:
In our equation, \(4x^2 - 20x + 25 = 0\), we found only one real solution: \(x = \frac{5}{2}\). Here's what happens:
- The parabola just grazes the x-axis at \(x = \frac{5}{2}\).
- This behavior is due to the fact that both sections of the parabola open away from the axis, not crossing it, just touching it at that single point.