Chapter 6: Problem 44
Use factoring to solve quadratic equation. Check by substitution or by using a graphing utility and identifying \(x\)-intercepts. \(x(x-3)=18\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solutions to the equation are \(x = 6\) and \(x = -3\).
Step by step solution
01
Expand the Equation
Expand the equation \(x(x-3)=18\), which simplifies to \(x^2 - 3x = 18\)
02
Rearrange the Equation
Set the equation to zero, \(x^2 - 3x - 18 = 0\). This will enable you to factor the equation.
03
Factor the Equation
Begin factoring the quadratic equation by identifying factors of 18 that add up to -3. So, \(x^2 - 6x + 3x -18 = 0\). Regroup the equation to factor by grouping, \(x(x - 6) + 3(x - 6) = 0\). Ultimately, this simplifies down to \((x - 6)(x + 3) = 0\).
04
Solve for x
Set each factor equal to zero in order to solve for x. \(x - 6 = 0 => x = 6\) and \(x + 3 = 0 => x = -3\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Factoring
In mathematics, factoring is a powerful technique used to simplify expressions or solve equations, particularly quadratic equations. To factor a quadratic equation means to express it as a product of simpler expressions, often referred to as factors. In the quadratic equation, the general form is expressed as \(ax^2 + bx + c\). The goal is to rewrite it as \((mx + n)(px + q)\).
Here’s how it works:
Here’s how it works:
- Identify two numbers that will multiply to give you the constant (the last term, "c") and add to give you the middle coefficient ("b").
- Rewrite the quadratic equation as two sets of binomial expressions.
- Use the zero-product property, which states that if the product is zero, at least one of the multipliers must be zero, to find the solutions.
Roots of Quadratic
The roots of a quadratic equation are the values of \(x\) that make the equation equal to zero. These values are also referred to as zeros or x-intercepts when graphing. Finding the roots is equivalent to solving the equation. In our specific example, after factoring \((x - 6)(x + 3) = 0\), the roots can be quickly identified by setting each factor equal to zero.
Here’s how it unfolds:
Here’s how it unfolds:
- From \((x - 6) = 0\), solve for \(x = 6\).
- From \((x + 3) = 0\), solve for \(x = -3\).
Polynomial Function
A polynomial function represents a sum of multiple algebraic terms. In the context of quadratics, these functions specifically involve equations of degree two. The standard form of a quadratic polynomial function is \(f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\).
Characteristics of quadratic polynomial functions include:
Characteristics of quadratic polynomial functions include:
- They always shape into a parabola when graphed.
- The leading coefficient \(a\) determines the parabola's direction: if \(a > 0\), it opens upwards, if \(a < 0\), it opens downwards.
- The vertex of the parabola gives the maximum or minimum point of the function.
Graphing Techniques
Graphing techniques serve as a visual representation of algebraic equations like quadratic ones. For students, seeing a graph helps solidify the relationships among the solutions and the equation itself. When graphing a quadratic equation, the parabola's key features—vertex, axis of symmetry, and x-intercepts (roots)—become apparent.
To graph a quadratic function, one would:
To graph a quadratic function, one would:
- Start by identifying the vertex using \((-b/2a, f(-b/2a))\).
- Plot the roots, or x-intercepts, where the equation equals zero.
- Draw the axis of symmetry that runs vertically through the vertex.
- Sketch the parabola using the identified features.