College Algebra (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321979478
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-947-6

Chapter 1 - Section 1.2 - Quadratic Equations - 1.2 Assess Your Understanding - Page 104: 125

Answer

Sample answer: The formula $x=\displaystyle \frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^{2}-4ac}}{2a}$ involves some calculations, and errors can be made. Benefits: 1. Checking whether the radicand (the discriminant,) $b^{2}-4ac$ is negative, you do not have to continue. You know there will be no real solutions. 2. If it is zero or positive, you have done half the work needed to implement the formula, so the rest of the work is somewhat easier.

Work Step by Step

Explanation is in the answer.
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