Chapter 13: Problem 19
Identifying \(A=1, B=6,\) and \(C=9,\) we compute \(B^{2}-4 A C=0 .\) The equation is parabolic.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The equation has a double root and forms a parabola tangent to the x-axis.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the coefficients
The equation is of the form \(Ax^2 + Bx + C = 0\). From the problem statement, identify the values of \(A = 1\), \(B = 6\), and \(C = 9\).
02
Compute the discriminant
Using the formula \(B^2 - 4AC\), substitute the identified coefficients into the expression. Compute: \(6^2 - 4 \cdot 1 \cdot 9 = 36 - 36 = 0\).
03
Determine the nature of the roots
Since the discriminant \(B^2 - 4AC = 0\), this indicates the quadratic equation has exactly one real root, which is a repeated root.
04
Draw conclusion about the type of curve
Having a zero discriminant also implies that the graph of the quadratic forms a parabola that is tangent to the x-axis at the vertex.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Discriminant
The discriminant is a vital concept when solving quadratic equations. It helps determine the nature of the roots for the equation. The discriminant is calculated using the formula \(B^2 - 4AC\), where \(A\), \(B\), and \(C\) are the coefficients from the quadratic equation \(Ax^2 + Bx + C = 0\). If you think of the discriminant as a handy tool in your math kit, it tells you the number of solutions your equation has and what type they are.
- When the discriminant is positive \((B^2 - 4AC > 0)\), the quadratic equation has two distinct real roots.
- If it equals zero \((B^2 - 4AC = 0)\), there is exactly one real root, meaning the root is repeated or the parabola is tangent to the x-axis.
- When the discriminant is negative \((B^2 - 4AC < 0)\), the quadratic equation has no real roots, meaning it has two complex roots instead.
Parabola
A parabola is a specific type of graph of a quadratic equation. It is a symmetrical curve that can open either up or down, depending on the leading coefficient \(A\). In the equation \(Ax^2 + Bx + C = 0\):
- If \(A > 0\), the parabola opens upwards. Think of a smile-like shape :)
- If \(A < 0\), the parabola opens downwards, resembling a sad frown :(
Real Roots
Real roots are the solutions to the quadratic equation that can be plotted on the real number line. They are the x-intercepts of the parabola when it crosses or touches the x-axis. Here's a breakdown of what real roots mean in different scenarios:
- If the discriminant is positive, there are two distinct real roots. This means the parabola crosses the x-axis at two different points.
- If the discriminant equals zero, the equation has one real root. This signifies that the parabola just kisses the x-axis at one point, the vertex, forming what is called a repeated or double root.
- If the discriminant is negative, there are no real roots, as the parabola never intersects the x-axis, and the solutions are complex.