Chapter 11: Problem 37
Solve. See Examples 1 through 5. $$ x^{2 / 3}-8 x^{1 / 3}+15=0 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solutions are \( x = 27 \) and \( x = 125 \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Substitution
The given equation is \( x^{2/3} - 8x^{1/3} + 15 = 0 \). Notice that the exponents are multiples of \(1/3\). Let \( u = x^{1/3} \), which implies \( u^2 = x^{2/3} \). Substitute \( u \) into the equation to make it a quadratic equation: \( u^2 - 8u + 15 = 0 \).
02
Solve the Quadratic Equation
Now, solve the quadratic equation \( u^2 - 8u + 15 = 0 \). This can be factored as \( (u - 3)(u - 5) = 0 \). Set each factor equal to zero to find the solutions for \( u \): \( u - 3 = 0 \) and \( u - 5 = 0 \). Therefore, \( u = 3 \) or \( u = 5 \).
03
Back-Substitute to Find \( x \)
Recall that \( u = x^{1/3} \). Therefore, we substitute back to find \( x \):- For \( u = 3 \): \( x^{1/3} = 3 \) which gives \( x = 3^3 = 27 \).- For \( u = 5 \): \( x^{1/3} = 5 \) which gives \( x = 5^3 = 125 \).
04
Verify the Solutions
Substitute each solution back into the original equation to verify:- For \( x = 27 \): \( 27^{2/3} - 8 \times 27^{1/3} + 15 = 9 - 24 + 15 = 0 \).- For \( x = 125 \): \( 125^{2/3} - 8 \times 125^{1/3} + 15 = 25 - 40 + 15 = 0 \).Both values satisfy the original equation, confirming that the solutions are correct.
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.
Exponentiation in Quadratic Equations
Exponentiation is a mathematical process that involves raising a number to a certain power. In the context of quadratic equations, exponentiation allows us to express variables as powers, which can simplify or transform the equation into a more workable form. In the given exercise:
- The equation is initially of the form \(x^{2/3} - 8x^{1/3} + 15 = 0\).
- Notice how exponents are fractions, which indicates the roots of numbers.
- The notation \(x^{2/3}\) implies the cube root of \(x\) squared \((\sqrt[3]{x})^2\).
- Similarly, \(x^{1/3}\) is simply the cube root of \(x\).
Solving Equations Through Factoring
Once we substitute and simplify the equation using exponentiation, we encounter a new equation that must be solved. Solving equations, often involving a step known as factoring, is pivotal in finding solutions. For our exercise, it involves solving the quadratic equation.
- We rewrote the equation as \(u^2 - 8u + 15 = 0\) where \(u = x^{1/3}\).
- This equation is a classic quadratic, allowing us to use factoring techniques.
- Here, the equation factors as \((u - 3)(u - 5) = 0\).
- The solutions are found by setting each factor to zero: \(u - 3 = 0\) or \(u - 5 = 0\).
- This gives solutions \(u = 3\) and \(u = 5\).
Using Algebraic Substitution to Simplify
Algebraic substitution is a method used to simplify complex equations by replacing one part with a simpler variable. This is particularly useful when dealing with equations that have fractional exponents or are otherwise non-linear. In our problem, substitution plays a key role:
- We start with \(x^{2/3} - 8x^{1/3} + 15 = 0\), which might be intimidating initially.
- By letting \(u = x^{1/3}\), the equation transforms to \(u^2 - 8u + 15 = 0\), a much simpler quadratic form.
- It allows us to apply our knowledge of solving quadratic equations directly.
- Once solved, we reverse substitute to find the original variable: \(x = 3^3\) and \(x = 5^3\).