Chapter 1: Problem 36
Find all real solutions of the equation. \(x^{2}-6 x+1=0\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The real solutions are \( x = 3 + 2\sqrt{2} \) and \( x = 3 - 2\sqrt{2} \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the equation type
The given equation is a quadratic equation of the form \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \), where \( a = 1 \), \( b = -6 \), and \( c = 1 \).
02
Write the quadratic formula
To find the real solutions, we use the quadratic formula: \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \).
03
Calculate the discriminant
First, calculate the discriminant \( b^2 - 4ac \). Substituting in the values, \( (-6)^2 - 4 \times 1 \times 1 = 36 - 4 = 32 \).
04
Compute the square root of the discriminant
Calculate \( \sqrt{32} \), which is \( 4\sqrt{2} \). The fact that the discriminant is positive indicates two real solutions.
05
Substitute into the quadratic formula
Substitute \( b = -6 \), \( \sqrt{32} = 4\sqrt{2} \), and \( a = 1 \) into the quadratic formula: \[ x = \frac{-(-6) \pm 4\sqrt{2}}{2 \times 1} = \frac{6 \pm 4\sqrt{2}}{2} \].
06
Simplify the expression
Simplify the solutions: \[ x = \frac{6 + 4\sqrt{2}}{2} = 3 + 2\sqrt{2} \]\[ x = \frac{6 - 4\sqrt{2}}{2} = 3 - 2\sqrt{2} \].
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding the Discriminant
In the world of quadratic equations, the discriminant is a key component. It is a part of the quadratic formula, and it helps us determine the nature of the solutions. The discriminant is given by the formula \( b^2 - 4ac \), where \( b \) and \( c \) are coefficients of the quadratic equation \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \).
The value of the discriminant tells us:
The value of the discriminant tells us:
- If it is positive, there are two distinct real solutions.
- If it is zero, there is exactly one real solution (also known as a repeated root).
- If it is negative, there are no real solutions; instead, there are two complex solutions.
The Quadratic Formula
The quadratic formula is a powerful tool for solving quadratic equations. It can be used to find the roots (solutions) of any quadratic equation and is written as:\[ x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \]
This essential formula provides a method to find the solutions when factoring is not possible. It includes several components:
This essential formula provides a method to find the solutions when factoring is not possible. It includes several components:
- \(-b\) symbolizes the opposite of the coefficient \(b\).
- The square root of the discriminant \( \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac} \) dictates the nature of the solutions.
- The denominator \(2a\) normalizes the values of the numerator.
Finding Real Solutions
Real solutions of a quadratic equation are simply the \(x\)-values that satisfy the equation and can be viewed on a graph intersecting the \(x\)-axis. In the case of real solutions, they are the points where the parabola, represented by the quadratic equation, touches or cuts through the \(x\)-axis.
When we determine the real solutions:
When we determine the real solutions:
- We are solving for \(x\) in \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\).
- These solutions can either be different or the same, depending on the value of the discriminant.