Chapter 1: Problem 71
Solve equation using the quadratic formula. $$ 4 x^{2}=2 x+7 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solutions for the quadratic equation are \(x_{1} = 1.5\) and \(x_{2} = -1.17\).
Step by step solution
01
Rewrite the equation in the standard form
First, the equation must be written in the standard form of a quadratic equation. To do this, subtract \(2x + 7\) from both sides of the given equation. The equation then becomes \(4x^{2} - 2x - 7 = 0\). Now, from the rewritten equation we can see that \(a = 4\), \(b = -2\), and \(c = -7\).
02
Calculate the discriminant
The discriminant is part of the quadratic formula and is represented as \(b^{2} - 4ac\). The discriminant tells us the number and type of solutions our quadratic equation has. Calculate the discriminant using \(a = 4\), \(b = -2\), and \(c = -7\). This results in a discriminant of \((-2)^{2} - 4*4*(-7) = 116\).
03
Solve the quadratic equation with the quadratic formula
Finally, substitute \(a = 4\), \(b = -2\), and the calculated discriminant into the quadratic formula \((-b \pm \sqrt{b^{2} - 4ac}) /2a\). This results into two real solutions \(x_{1} = \frac{2 + \sqrt{116}}{8} = 1.5\) and \(x_{2} = \frac{2 - \sqrt{116}}{8} = -1.17\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Discriminant
In quadratic equations, the discriminant is a crucial component found in the quadratic formula. It's represented as \( b^2 - 4ac \), where \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are coefficients from the standard form of a quadratic equation \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \). The role of the discriminant is to determine the nature and quantity of solutions an equation has.
- If the discriminant is positive, the quadratic equation has two distinct real solutions.
- If it is zero, there is exactly one real solution, which means the parabola touches the x-axis at a single point.
- If the discriminant is negative, the solutions are complex or imaginary, indicating that the parabola does not intersect the x-axis.
Standard Form of a Quadratic Equation
To effectively solve a quadratic equation using the quadratic formula, it's crucial to express the equation in its standard form, which is \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \). This form organizes all terms of the equation, making it easier to identify the coefficients needed for solving.
In the given exercise, the original equation was \( 4x^2 = 2x + 7 \). To put this equation in the standard form:
In the given exercise, the original equation was \( 4x^2 = 2x + 7 \). To put this equation in the standard form:
- Subtract \(2x + 7\) from both sides to obtain \(4x^2 - 2x - 7 = 0\).
- Now, the coefficients \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) are found: \(a = 4\), \(b = -2\), and \(c = -7\).
Solving Quadratic Equations
Solving quadratic equations often involves using the quadratic formula, especially when the equation cannot be easily factored. The quadratic formula is defined as \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \).
Steps to Solve:
This formula provides a systematic way to find solutions for any quadratic equation.
Steps to Solve:
- First, ensure the equation is in standard form \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \).
- Identify and substitute the coefficients \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) into the formula.
- Calculate the discriminant, \(b^2 - 4ac\), to determine the nature of the roots.
- Perform the calculation within the square root and continue simplifying.
- Evaluate both \(+\) and \(-\) versions of the formula to find two possible solutions, if applicable.
This formula provides a systematic way to find solutions for any quadratic equation.