Chapter 8: Problem 1
Fill in the blanks. An equation of the form \(a x^{2}+b x+c=0,\) where \(a \neq 0,\) is called a_________equation.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The equation is called a quadratic equation.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Given Mathematical Form
The given mathematical form is \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\). This form includes a quadratic term \(ax^2\), a linear term \(bx\), and a constant term \(c\). The key element here is the term \(ax^2\), which indicates the degree of the polynomial equation.
02
Recall the Definition
An equation is classified according to its highest degree. The highest degree in the equation \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\) is 2, due to the term \(ax^2\). An equation with a highest degree of 2 is defined as a quadratic equation.
03
Confirm the Condition
The condition given is \(a eq 0\). This ensures that the equation maintains its quadratic nature because if \(a = 0\), the equation becomes linear rather than quadratic. As \(a\) is not zero, the equation is indeed quadratic.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polynomial Equation
A polynomial equation is an expression set to a value, typically zero, that is made up of terms consisting of variables raised to various powers and the coefficients. The general form is:
- The highest power of the variable determines its degree.
- Each term must consist of a coefficient (number) and the variable raised to a non-negative integer power.
Degree of Polynomial
The degree of a polynomial refers to the highest power of the variable in the polynomial equation. This determines the 'type' of the polynomial.
- A polynomial of degree 1 is called linear.
- A polynomial of degree 2 is termed quadratic.
- A polynomial of degree 3 is known as cubic, and so forth.
Linear Term
The linear term in a polynomial is the term where the variable has a power of exactly 1. In the expression \(ax^2 + bx + c\), the linear term is \(bx\). This term impacts the slope or inclination of the polynomial graph at various points.
- In a linear equation, such as \(bx + c = 0\), this term is even more significant, as it determines the rate at which the graph rises or falls along with the y-intercept, specified by the constant term \(c\).
- In a quadratic equation, the linear term contributes to the direction and width of the parabola formed by the graph of the equation.
Constant Term
The constant term of a polynomial is the term without any variables, simply representing a constant value. In our equation \(ax^2 + bx + c\), the constant term is \(c\). It doesn't change with the variable, remaining the same no matter the value of the variable.
- It is important, particularly when analyzing the graph of the polynomial, because it determines where the graph will intersect the y-axis.
- The value of the constant term is also crucial in determining the sum and product of the roots in polynomial equations via the Vieta's formulas.