Intermediate Algebra: Connecting Concepts through Application

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 0-53449-636-9
ISBN 13: 978-0-53449-636-4

Chapter 4 - Quadratic Functions - 4.6 Solving Quadratic Equations by Using the Quadratic Formula - 4.6 Exercises - Page 373: 60

Answer

$x=0, x=\frac{-5 - 10\sqrt 2}{7}, x=\frac{-5 +10\sqrt 2}{7}$

Work Step by Step

Use factoring. $$ \begin{gathered} 1.75 x^3+2.5 x^2=6.25 x \\ 1.75 x^3+2.5 x^2-6.25 x=0 \\ 100\left(1.75 x^3+2.5 x^2-6.25 x\right)=0 \\ 175 x^3+250 x^2-625 x=0 \\ 25 x\left(7 x^2+10 x^2-25\right)=0. \end{gathered} $$ This gives: $$ \begin{aligned} x_1 & =0\\ 7 x^2+10 x^2-25&=0\\ a&=7 \\ b&=10 \\ c&=-25\\ x_{2,3} & =\frac{-10 \pm \sqrt{10^2-4(7)(-25)}}{2(7)} \\ & =\frac{-10 \pm \sqrt{800}}{14}\\ & =\frac{-5 \pm 10\sqrt 2}{7}. \end{aligned} $$ The solutions are: $$ \begin{aligned} x_1&=0\\ x_2 & =\frac{-5 - 10\sqrt 2}{7} \\ & \approx -2.73459 \\ x_3 & =\frac{-5+ 10\sqrt 2}{7} \\ & \approx 1.30601. \end{aligned} $$ Define the following function and plot it. We see that the zeros are where they should be. $$ f(x) =1.75 x^3+2.5 x^2-6.25 x. $$
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