Chapter 5: Problem 10
Solve each equation by graphing. If exact roots cannot be found, state the consecutive integers between which the roots are located. $$ 4 x^{2}-7 x-15=0 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Roots are between \(-1\text{ and }0\) and \(3\text{ and }4\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the function
The equation given is \( 4x^2 - 7x - 15 = 0 \). This is a quadratic equation. To solve it by graphing, we need to consider it as a function: \( y = 4x^2 - 7x - 15 \).
02
Create a table of values
Choose a range of values for \( x \), both negative and positive, and calculate corresponding \( y \) values using \( y = 4x^2 - 7x - 15 \). For example, if \( x = -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3 \), compute each \( y \).
03
Plot the points on a graph
Using the calculated \( (x, y) \) points, plot them on a coordinate plane. This will form the parabola of the function \( y = 4x^2 - 7x - 15 \).
04
Identify the x-intercepts
The x-intercepts are the points where the curve crosses the x-axis, i.e., where \( y = 0 \). These are the solutions to the equation \( 4x^2 - 7x - 15 = 0 \).
05
Estimate the roots
From the graph, observe the x-coordinates where the parabola crosses the x-axis. These will not provide exact values but will give the approximate intervals. For instance, the graph suggests roots between \( x = -1 ext{ and } 0 \) and \( x = 3 ext{ and } 4 \).
06
State the consecutive integers
Since the exact roots could not be easily found, state the integers between which the roots are located based on the x-intercepts: between \(-1 ext{ and }0\) and \(3 ext{ and }4\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Graphing Quadratic Functions
When solving quadratic equations, graphing the related quadratic function is a useful visual method. A quadratic function typically appears as a parabola on a coordinate plane, due to its characteristic equation form, \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \). To graph a quadratic function, follow these steps:
- Identify the quadratic equation, such as \( y = 4x^2 - 7x - 15 \).
- Create a table of values by selecting a range of \( x \) values to compute the corresponding \( y \) values.
- Plot these points on a graph. The shape that emerges is a parabola.
X-Intercepts
Finding the x-intercepts of a quadratic function graph is crucial for solving the equation. The x-intercepts are points on the graph where \( y = 0 \). In essence, these points represent the solutions or roots of the quadratic equation.
- After plotting the parabola, look for the points where it crosses the x-axis.
- These x-values are your estimated solutions to \( 4x^2 - 7x - 15 = 0 \).
Parabolas
Parabolas are U-shaped curves that graphically represent quadratic functions. The main features of a parabola include:
- Vertex: The lowest or highest point, depending on the opening direction.
- Axis of symmetry: A vertical line that divides the parabola into two mirror-image halves.
- Direction of opening: Determined by the sign of the coefficient \( a \). If \( a > 0 \), it opens upwards; if \( a < 0 \), downwards.
Consecutive Integers
In some cases, the x-intercepts of a parabola as observed on a graph are not clearly defined. This often occurs when the roots are not whole numbers. Here, stating consecutive integers provides an approximate solution.
- If the parabola crosses between \( x = -1 \) and \( x = 0 \), say the root is between these integers.
- The same method applies if it crosses between \( x = 3 \) and \( x = 4 \).