Chapter 1: Problem 73
Use the discriminant to determine whether each quadratic equation has two unequal real solutions, a repeated real solution (a double root), or no real solution, without solving the equation. $$ 2 x^{2}-6 x+7=0 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
No real solutions
Step by step solution
01
- Identify coefficients
For the quadratic equation in the form \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \), identify the coefficients: \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\). Here, the equation is \( 2x^2 - 6x + 7 = 0 \). Therefore, \(a = 2\), \(b = -6\), and \(c = 7\).
02
- Write the discriminant formula
The discriminant \( \text{D} \) of a quadratic equation is given by \( \text{D} = b^2 - 4ac \). Write down this formula.
03
- Substitute the coefficients into the discriminant formula
Substitute the values of \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) into the discriminant formula: \[ \text{D} = (-6)^2 - 4(2)(7) \].
04
- Calculate the discriminant
Perform the calculations to find the value of the discriminant: \[ \text{D} = 36 - 56 = -20 \].
05
- Determine the nature of the solutions
Interpret the value of the discriminant: If \( \text{D} > 0 \), there are two unequal real solutions. If \( \text{D} = 0 \), there is a repeated real solution (a double root). If \( \text{D} < 0 \), there are no real solutions. Here, \( \text{D} = -20 < 0 \), so the quadratic equation has no real solutions.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
quadratic equations
A quadratic equation is a second-degree polynomial equation of the form \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \), where \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are constants, and \( x \) represents an unknown variable. The term 'quadratic' comes from 'quadratus,' the Latin word for square, as the highest power of \( x \) is 2.
Here's some more information about quadratic equations:
Here's some more information about quadratic equations:
- When the quadratic equation is set to zero, it is known as the standard form.
- In the standard form \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \), \( a \) must not be zero because it would then become a linear equation.
- Quadratic equations can be solved using different methods, such as factorization, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula.
nature of roots
The nature of the roots of a quadratic equation is determined by the discriminant, \( D \). The discriminant is a part of the quadratic formula used to find the solutions of a quadratic equation. It is calculated using the formula \( D = b^2 - 4ac \). This is derived from the standard form of the quadratic equation \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \).
The value of the discriminant indicates the nature of the roots:
The value of the discriminant indicates the nature of the roots:
- If \( D > 0 \), the equation has two distinct real roots.
- If \( D = 0 \), the equation has exactly one real root, also known as a double root.
- If \( D < 0 \), the equation has no real roots but instead two complex roots.
real solutions versus complex solutions
The solutions of a quadratic equation depend on the discriminant and can be either real or complex.
Real Solutions:
Real solutions occur when the discriminant (\( D \)) is greater than or equal to zero.
Complex Solutions:
Complex solutions occur when the discriminant (\( D \)) is less than zero.
Real Solutions:
Real solutions occur when the discriminant (\( D \)) is greater than or equal to zero.
- Two Unequal Real Solutions: When \( D > 0 \), the quadratic equation has two different real roots. These can be found at the points where the parabola crosses the x-axis.
- Repeated Real Solution: When \( D = 0 \), the quadratic equation has one repeated real solution, also called a double root. This means that the parabola touches the x-axis at exactly one point.
Complex Solutions:
Complex solutions occur when the discriminant (\( D \)) is less than zero.
- When \( D < 0 \), the quadratic equation has no real roots. Instead, it has two complex roots, which are conjugates of each other. This means the parabola does not intersect the x-axis at any point.