Intermediate Algebra (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321969359
ISBN 13: 978-0-32196-935-4

Chapter 8 - Section 8.2 - The Quadratic Formula - 8.2 Exercises - Page 519: 49

Answer

$b=\{ -10,10 \}$

Work Step by Step

$\bf{\text{Solution Outline:}}$ To find the value of $ b $ such that the given equation, $ p^2+bp+25=0 ,$ will have $1$ rational solution, equate the discriminant to $0$ and solve for the variable. $\bf{\text{Solution Details:}}$ In the equation above, $a= 1 ,$ $b= b ,$ and $c= 25 .$ Using the Discriminant Formula which is given by $b^2-4ac,$ the discriminant is \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} (b)^2-4(1)(25) \\\\= b^2-100 .\end{array} Equating the discriminant to $0$ so that the given equation will have $1$ rational solution, then \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} b^2-100=0 \\\\ b^2=100 .\end{array} Taking the square root of both sides, then \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} b=\pm\sqrt{100} \\\\ b=\pm10 .\end{array} Hence, the given equation has $1$ rational solution when $ b=\{ -10,10 \} .$
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