Chapter 2: Problem 51
Find the value(s) of k such that the equation has exactly one real root. $$x^{2}+12 x+k=0$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of \(k\) is 36.
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the quadratic equation
The given equation is a quadratic equation in the standard form, which is \(x^2 + 12x + k = 0\). Here, \(a = 1\), \(b = 12\), and \(c = k\).
02
Identify condition for exactly one real root
A quadratic equation has exactly one real root when the discriminant \(b^2 - 4ac\) is equal to zero.
03
Apply the condition for the discriminant
Using the values \(a = 1\), \(b = 12\), and \(c = k\), the discriminant \(b^2 - 4ac = 0\) translates to \(12^2 - 4(1)(k) = 0\).
04
Solve for k
Calculate \(b^2 = 144\), then substitute into the equation: \(144 - 4k = 0\). Solve for \(k\) by adding \(4k\) to both sides and then dividing by 4, getting \(k = 36\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Discriminant in Quadratic Equations
The discriminant is a key component in determining the nature and number of roots for a quadratic equation. In the general form of a quadratic equation, \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\), the discriminant is given by the formula \(b^2 - 4ac\). It is a simple expression that involves the coefficients of the equation: \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\).
- If the discriminant is positive, the quadratic equation has two distinct real roots.
- If the discriminant is zero, there is exactly one real root. This situation is also known as a double root or a repeated root.
- If the discriminant is negative, the quadratic equation has no real roots, but rather two complex conjugate roots.
Real Roots
Real roots are solutions to a quadratic equation that can be found on the real number line. The number and type of real roots a quadratic equation has are determined by the value of its discriminant \(b^2 - 4ac\).
- "One Real Root" occurs when the discriminant is zero, meaning the curve of the quadratic touches the x-axis at exactly one point. This is called a tangent point.
- "Two Real Roots" happen when the discriminant is greater than zero. Here, the curve crosses the x-axis at two points.
- "No Real Root" corresponds to a negative discriminant. The curve then remains entirely above or below the x-axis, without touching it.
Quadratic Equation Standard Form
Quadratic equations are typically expressed in the standard form \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\), where \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) are real numbers, and \(a eq 0\). This format is important as it provides a consistent structure for analyzing and solving the equation.
Understanding the standard form is also fundamental in applying the formula for the discriminant, \(b^2 - 4ac\), to understand the nature of the roots of the equation.
- The coefficient \(a\) is crucial because if \(a = 0\), the equation becomes linear, not quadratic.
- \(b\) represents the linear coefficient, influencing the slope of the parabola represented by the equation.
- \(c\) is the constant term, moving the parabola up or down on a graph.
Understanding the standard form is also fundamental in applying the formula for the discriminant, \(b^2 - 4ac\), to understand the nature of the roots of the equation.