Chapter 1: Problem 41
Solve each equation by factoring or the Quadratic Formula, as appropriate. $$ 5 x^{2}-50 x=0 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solutions are \(x = 0\) and \(x = 10\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify Common Factors
Look at the given equation: \(5x^2 - 50x = 0\). Notice that you can factor out the greatest common factor, which is 5x. So, the equation can be rewritten as \(5x(x - 10) = 0\).
02
Apply the Zero-Product Property
According to the zero-product property, if a product of factors equals zero, then at least one of the factors must be zero. Apply this property to the equation: \(5x = 0\) or \(x - 10 = 0\). This gives us two equations.
03
Solve Each Equation
Solve the first equation: \(5x = 0\). Divide both sides by 5: \(x = 0\). Solve the second equation: \(x - 10 = 0\). Add 10 to both sides: \(x = 10\).
04
Write the Solutions
The solutions to the equation are \(x = 0\) and \(x = 10\). Both values satisfy the original equation.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Factoring
Factoring is a fundamental method used to simplify expressions or solve equations, especially quadratic equations. The idea is to express the equation as a product of its factors. Let's break it down with our given equation: - Equation: \(5x^2 - 50x = 0\)- Notice that both terms, \(5x^2\) and \(-50x\), contain a common factor, which is \(5x\).To factor out \(5x\) from both terms, we rewrite the equation as \(5x(x - 10) = 0\). This step significantly simplifies the equation, setting the stage to solve it further. Factoring is essential in solving equations because it converts a single complex equation into simpler ones, making it easier to apply subsequent techniques, such as the zero-product property.
Mastery of factoring enhances problem-solving skills, particularly in algebra, and is a key foundational skill used across various mathematical applications.
Mastery of factoring enhances problem-solving skills, particularly in algebra, and is a key foundational skill used across various mathematical applications.
Zero-Product Property
The zero-product property is a powerful tool used in solving equations effectively. Once an equation is factored into the form \(a \cdot b = 0\), we can say that either \(a = 0\) or \(b = 0\). This principle is especially useful when dealing with factored quadratic equations. For the equation \(5x(x - 10) = 0\), let's apply the zero-product property:
Understanding and applying the zero-product property helps you solve quadratic equations efficiently, making it an indispensable tool in any algebra toolkit.
- If \(5x = 0\), then dividing both sides by 5, we find \(x = 0\).
- If \(x - 10 = 0\), then adding 10 to both sides, we ascertain \(x = 10\).
Understanding and applying the zero-product property helps you solve quadratic equations efficiently, making it an indispensable tool in any algebra toolkit.
Solving Equations
Solving equations involves finding values that satisfy the equation, making it a central task in mathematics. Our chosen method was factoring, followed by the zero-product property, leading us to the solutions of the equation \(5x^2 - 50x = 0\). Solving entails: - **Factoring:** First, identify a common factor to simplify the equation. Here, \(5x\) was factored out, giving us \(5x(x - 10) = 0\).- **Applying Zero-Product Property:** This allowed us to split the equation and set each part to zero: \(5x = 0\) and \(x - 10 = 0\). - **Finding Solutions:** Finally, solve these simpler equations. From \(5x = 0\), we got \(x = 0\). From \(x - 10 = 0\), we found \(x = 10\).Thus, the solutions to the original equation are \(x = 0\) and \(x = 10\).
Solving equations not only provides solutions but improves problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and the ability to break down complex problems into manageable steps. It's a vital competency in mathematics and beyond.
Solving equations not only provides solutions but improves problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and the ability to break down complex problems into manageable steps. It's a vital competency in mathematics and beyond.