Chapter 8: Problem 126
APPLICATIONS The area of the checkerboard is represented by the expression \(25 x^{2}-40 x+16\) Use factoring to find the length of each side. (CHECKERBOARD NOT COPY)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The side length is \(5x - 4\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Problem
The area of a square is given by the expression \(25x^2 - 40x + 16\). Our task is to factor this expression to find the length of one side since the area of a square is \( s^2 \) where \( s \) is the side length.
02
Express as a Perfect Square
Recognize that the expression \(25x^2 - 40x + 16\) is in a form that might represent a perfect square. A perfect square trinomial has the form \((ax - b)^2 = a^2x^2 - 2abx + b^2\).
03
Identify Coefficients
Compare the given expression \(25x^2 - 40x + 16\) to the perfect square form. Here: - \(a^2 = 25\), so \(a = 5\)- \(b^2 = 16\), so \(b = 4\)- Check if \(2ab = 40\). Calculation: \(2 \times 5 \times 4 = 40\).All conditions are satisfied for the perfect square.
04
Factor the Expression
Since the given expression is a perfect square as \( (5x - 4)^2 \), factor it as such.
05
Solve for the Side Length
Since the expression is factored as \((5x - 4)^2\), the side of the square is \(5x - 4\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Quadratic Expressions
Quadratic expressions are a fundamental concept in algebra, often taking the form of \(ax^2 + bx + c\), where \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) are constants. These expressions are called 'quadratic' because the term with the highest power is squared. Quadratic expressions appear in various real-world scenarios, making them essential for students to understand.
- The term \(ax^2\) is the quadratic term, which indicates the presence of squaring (second power).
- The coefficient \(b\) is linked with the linear term \(x\), which affects the expression's slope.
- The constant term \(c\) shifts the graph of the parabola up or down.
Perfect Square Trinomials
A perfect square trinomial is a special form of quadratic expression. It is the result of squaring a binomial, and it follows the structure \((ax + b)^2\). Recognizing perfect square trinomials is incredibly useful when factoring polynomials.
- The general form of a perfect square trinomial is \(a^2x^2 + 2abx + b^2\).
- It simplifies to \((ax + b)^2\) or \((ax - b)^2\) based on the sign of \(b\).
- To identify a perfect square trinomial, check if both coefficient relations \(a^2\) and \(b^2\) fit, also confirm that \(2ab\) equals the middle term.
Algebraic Applications
Algebraic applications extend the understanding of concepts like quadratic expressions and perfect square trinomials to solve real-world problems. Recognizing these forms is not just about rewriting expressions; it helps in interpreting complex scenarios easily.
- Algebra is a tool for converting real-world situations into mathematical models.
- In geometric problems, expressions representing areas or volumes often lead to quadratic forms.
- Factoring these quadratics into products of binomials gives concrete solutions to lengths and dimensions.