Chapter 1: Problem 37
Solve the equation both algebraically and graphically. $$x^{2}+9=0$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solutions are complex: \(x = 3i\) and \(x = -3i\).
Step by step solution
01
Analyze the Equation Type
First, we observe that the equation is a quadratic equation in the form of \(x^2 + 9 = 0\). This equation does not have a linear term (the term with \(x\)) or a constant term other than 9.
02
Rearrange the Equation
To solve algebraically, move 9 to the right side of the equation: \(x^2 = -9\).
03
Assess Real Solutions
Notice that \(x^2 = -9\) suggests we must take the square root of a negative number, which indicates there are no real solutions. Instead, we proceed with complex solutions.
04
Solve Algebraically for Complex Solutions
Find the square root of both sides: \(x = \sqrt{-9}\). Using the properties of square roots, particularly dealing with negative numbers, this becomes \(x = \pm 3i\), where \(i\) is the imaginary unit (\(i^2 = -1\)).
05
Graphical Representation of the Equation
To solve graphically, recognize that the function \(f(x) = x^2 + 9\) is always above the x-axis, starting from \(y = 9\) when \(x = 0\). Since it never crosses the x-axis, there are no real x-intercepts, confirming no real solutions.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Quadratic Equations
In mathematics, a quadratic equation is a polynomial equation of degree two. It generally has the standard form:
- \[ ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \]
- Factoring
- Completing the square
- Using the quadratic formula
- Graphical methods
Imaginary Unit
The imaginary unit, represented as \( i \), is a fundamental concept in complex numbers. It is defined by the equation:
- \( i^2 = -1 \)
- The expression \( \sqrt{-9} \) transforms by recognizing \( \sqrt{-1} = i \), leading to \( \sqrt{-9} = \sqrt{9} \cdot \sqrt{-1} = 3i \).
- This gives the solutions \( x = 3i \) and \( x = -3i \).
Complex Solutions
Complex solutions arise when quadratic equations like \( x^2 + 9 = 0 \) yield no real roots due to the presence of negative numbers under a square root. Complex numbers consist of a real part and an imaginary part, typically expressed in the form:
- \( a + bi \), where \( a \) is the real component and \( bi \) is the imaginary component.
- The solutions are \( x = \pm 3i \), pure imaginary numbers, since the real part is zero.
- These numbers lie off the real number line.
- The graphical representation confirms this, as \( f(x) = x^2 + 9 \) never meets the x-axis, reinforcing the absence of real solutions.
- Complex solutions allow us to employ a broader mathematical toolkit, solving more intricate problems by moving beyond conventional boundaries.