Chapter 4: Problem 37
Solve the equation graphically. Check your solution algebraically. $$\frac{1}{2} x+5=3$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution of the equation \(\frac{1}{2} x+5=3\) is \(x=-4\)
Step by step solution
01
Draw Graph of Function
Represent the equation by drawing the line \(\frac{1}{2} x+5=3\) on the cartesian plane. A common way to do this is to find points on the line, for instance, by assuming certain x-values and computing the corresponding y-values or vice versa. The line intersects the x-axis when y=0.
02
Determine x-intercept
To solve the equation graphically, locate the x-intercept of the graph. This is the point where the graph intersects the x-axis. The x-coordinate of this point will be the solution to your equation.
03
Check algebraically
First, subtract 5 from both sides of the equation: \(\frac{1}{2} x=3-5=-2\). Then, multiply every term by 2 to isolate x: \(x = -2*2 = -4\). This is the solution obtained algebraically. Verify if it coincides with the solution obtained graphically by plugging this value back into the given equation.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding the x-intercept
The x-intercept is an essential concept when solving equations graphically. It is the point on a graph where the line crosses the x-axis. At this point, the value of y is 0, which means you're solving for x when the output of the equation is zero. To identify the x-intercept from a graph, follow these steps:
- Draw the line representing your equation on the graph.
- Look for the point where this line intersects the x-axis.
- The x-coordinate of this intersection is the x-intercept.
Navigating the Cartesian Plane
A cartesian plane is a two-dimensional graphing system made up of two axes: the horizontal x-axis and the vertical y-axis. Each axis represents a number line, allowing you to graph equations and locate points. Here’s how you use it to solve equations graphically:
- The x-axis runs left to right and contains all possible values of x.
- The y-axis runs up and down and contains all possible values of y.
- You plot points by moving along the x-axis first, then parallel to the y-axis.
Grasping Linear Equations
Linear equations are mathematical expressions that form straight lines when graphed on a cartesian plane. They follow the general format of \( y = mx + b \), where \( m \) is the slope and \( b \) is the y-intercept. These equations are characterized by:
- A constant slope, \( m \), which indicates the line's steepness.
- The y-intercept, \( b \), which is the value where the line crosses the y-axis.
- A direct definition of a straight path on the graph.
Performing Algebraic Verification
Algebraic verification is a crucial step after solving equations graphically. It ensures the graphical solution is accurate through mathematical calculations. For the given equation \( \frac{1}{2}x + 5 = 3 \), here's how the algebraic checking works:
- First, isolate x by subtracting 5 from both sides: \( \frac{1}{2}x = 3 - 5 = -2 \).
- Next, remove the fraction by multiplying all terms by 2: \( x = -2 \cdot 2 = -4 \).