Chapter 7: Problem 12
Solve the given quadratic equations by using the square root property. $$\left(x-\frac{5}{2}\right)^{2}=100$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solutions are \( x = \frac{25}{2} \) and \( x = -\frac{15}{2} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Square Root Property
The square root property states that if \( (x-a)^2 = b \), then \( x - a = \pm \sqrt{b} \). It allows us to directly solve for \( x \) without expanding the square.
02
Apply the Square Root Property
Given the equation \( \left(x - \frac{5}{2}\right)^{2} = 100 \), apply the square root property. This gives \( x - \frac{5}{2} = \pm \sqrt{100} \).
03
Calculate the Square Root
Compute \( \sqrt{100} \), which is 10. Thus, we have two equations: \( x - \frac{5}{2} = 10 \) and \( x - \frac{5}{2} = -10 \).
04
Solve for x in the First Equation
Solve \( x - \frac{5}{2} = 10 \) by adding \( \frac{5}{2} \) to both sides. This results in \( x = 10 + \frac{5}{2} = \frac{20}{2} + \frac{5}{2} = \frac{25}{2} \).
05
Solve for x in the Second Equation
Solve \( x - \frac{5}{2} = -10 \) by adding \( \frac{5}{2} \) to both sides. This results in \( x = -10 + \frac{5}{2} = -\frac{20}{2} + \frac{5}{2} = -\frac{15}{2} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Square Root Property
The square root property provides a convenient method to solve certain quadratic equations, especially when they are in the form of a perfect square. It is expressed as: if \((x-a)^2 = b\), then \(x - a = \pm \sqrt{b}\). This means after equating a squared term to a number, you can solve for the unknown variable by taking the square root of the given number, with consideration of both positive and negative roots.
It is important to remember:
It is important to remember:
- Always apply \(\pm\) because there are typically two possible solutions when working with squared terms.
- The quadratic should be expressed in the form \((x-a)^2\) before applying the property. Sometimes this involves completing the square if it's not already in the desired form.
Solving Quadratic Equations
A quadratic equation can be intimidating at first glance, but using structured approaches can simplify the solving process. There are several methods to tackle quadratics, including:
When you're solving quadratic equations, ensure to correctly handle the square roots and keep your solutions explicit, as demonstrated in our example.
- Factoring
- Using the quadratic formula \((-b \pm \sqrt{b^2-4ac})/2a\)
- Graphing
- Completing the square
- Applying the square root property
When you're solving quadratic equations, ensure to correctly handle the square roots and keep your solutions explicit, as demonstrated in our example.
Step-by-Step Math Solutions
Working through math solutions step-by-step is an effective way to enhance understanding and build confidence in solving problems. Let's recap the steps using the square root property for our equation:
1. **Identify the form**: Check if the quadratic is a perfect square, in our case \((x-\frac{5}{2})^2\).
2. **Apply the square root property**: Set \(x - \frac{5}{2}\) equal to \(\pm \sqrt{100}\), leading to two separate equations to consider.
3. **Solve each equation**:
- First equation: \(x - \frac{5}{2} = 10\), yielding \(x = \frac{25}{2}\) after solving. - Second equation: \(x - \frac{5}{2} = -10\), yielding \(x = -\frac{15}{2}\) after solving.
4. **Double-check**: Verify each solution by substituting back into the original equation to ensure no calculation errors.
Such step-by-step breakdowns demystify problems and show how consistent application of math principles can lead to straightforward solutions, turning complex equations into manageable steps.
1. **Identify the form**: Check if the quadratic is a perfect square, in our case \((x-\frac{5}{2})^2\).
2. **Apply the square root property**: Set \(x - \frac{5}{2}\) equal to \(\pm \sqrt{100}\), leading to two separate equations to consider.
3. **Solve each equation**:
- First equation: \(x - \frac{5}{2} = 10\), yielding \(x = \frac{25}{2}\) after solving. - Second equation: \(x - \frac{5}{2} = -10\), yielding \(x = -\frac{15}{2}\) after solving.
4. **Double-check**: Verify each solution by substituting back into the original equation to ensure no calculation errors.
Such step-by-step breakdowns demystify problems and show how consistent application of math principles can lead to straightforward solutions, turning complex equations into manageable steps.