476 CHAPTER 7 Graphs, Equations, and Inequalities 7. Quadratic Equations Now Work the Are You Prepared? problems on page 48. OBJECTIVES 1 Solve Quadratic Equations by Factoring (p. 476) Solve Quadratic Equations Using the Square Root Method (p. 478) Solve Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square (p. 479) 4 Solve Quadratic Equations Using the Quadratic Formula (p. 479) 5 Solve Problems That Can Be Modeled by Quadratic Equations (p. 48) Quadratic equations are equations such as x + x + 8 = 0 x - 5x = 0 x - 9 = 0 A quadratic equation is an equation equivalent to one of the form where a, b, and c are real numbers and a 0. ax + bx + c = 0 (1) A quadratic equation written in the form ax + bx + c = 0 is in standard form. Sometimes, a quadratic equation is called a second-degree equation, because the left side is a polynomial of degree. We shall discuss four algebraic ways of solving quadratic equations: by factoring, by the square root method, by completing the square, and by using the quadratic formula. 1 Solve Quadratic Equations by Factoring When a quadratic equation is written in standard form, ax + bx + c = 0, it may be possible to factor the expression on the left side as the product of two first-degree polynomials. The Zero-Product Property can then be used by setting each factor equal to 0 and solving the resulting linear equations. with this approach we obtain the exact solutions of the quadratic equation. This approach leads us to a basic premise in mathematics. Whenever a problem is encountered, use techniques that reduce the problem to one you already know how to solve. In this instance, we are reducing quadratic equations to linear equations using the technique of factoring. Let s look at an example. Ex a mpl e 1 Solving a Quadratic Equation y bfactoring and by Graphing Solve the equation: x - x - = 0 A lgebraic Solution The equation is in standard form. The left side may be factored as x - x - = 0 (x - )(x + 1) = 0 Factor Graphing Solution Graph Y 1 = x - x -. See Figure 8(a) on the following page. From the graph it appears there are two solutions to the equation (since the graph crosses the x-axis in two places). Using ZERO, the x-intercepts, and therefore solutions to the equation, are -1 and 1.5. See Figures 4(b) and (c). The solution set is 5-1, 1.56.
Section 7. Quadratic Equations 477 Use the Zero-Product Property and set each factor equal to zero. x - = 0 or x + 1 = 0 x = or x = - 1 x = The solution set is e -1, f. Figure 8 10 4 4 5 (a) 10 10 4 4 4 4 5 (b) 5 (c) Now Work p r o b l e m 1 When the left side factors into two linear equations with the same solution, the quadratic equation is said to have a repeated solution. This solution is also called a root of multiplicity, or a double root. Ex a mpl e Solving a Quadratic Equation y bfactoring and by Graphing Solve the equation: 9x + 1 = 6x A lgebraic Solution Put the equation in standard form by adding - 6x to each side. 9x + 1 = 6x 9x - 6x + 1 = 0 Factor the left side of the equation. (x - 1)(x - 1) = 0 x - 1 = 0 or x - 1 = 0 Zero-Product Property x = 1 or x = 1 Graphing Solution Graph Y 1 = 9x + 1 and Y = 6x. See Figure 9. Using INTERSECT, the only point of intersection is (0., ), so the solution of the equation is x = 0., rounded to two decimal places. The solution set is 50.6. This solution is approximate. Figure 9 10 The equation has only the repeated solution 1. The solution set is e 1 f. Now Work p r o b l e m
478 CHAPTER 7 Graphs, Equations, and Inequalities Solve Quadratic Equations Using the Square Root Method Suppose that we wish to solve the quadratic equation x = p () where p is a nonnegative number. Proceed as in the earlier examples: x - p = 0 1x - 1p 1x + 1p = 0 x = 1p or x = - 1p Put in standard form. Factor (over the real numbers). Solve. We have the following result: If x = p and p Ú 0, then x = 1p or x = - 1p. () When statement () is used, it is called the Square Root Method. In statement (), note that if p 7 0 the equation x = p has two solutions, x = 1p and x = - 1p. We usually abbreviate these solutions as x = { 1p, read as x equals plus or minus the square root of p. For example, the two solutions of the equation are and, since 4 =, we have The solution set is 5 -, 6. x = 4 x = { 4 x = { Ex a mpl e Solution Solving Quadratic Equations y busing the Square R oot Method Solve each equation: (a) x = 5 (b) 1x - = 16 (a) x = 5 x = { 5 Use the Square Root Method. x = 5 or x = - 5 The solution set is 5-5, 56. (b) 1x - = 16 Use the Square Root Method. x - = { 16 x - = 16 or x - = - 16 x - = 4 x - = -4 x = 6 x = - The solution set is 5 -, 66. Check: Verify the solutions using a graphing utility. Are the solutions provided by the utility exact? Now Work p r o b l e m
Section 7. Quadratic Equations 479 Solve Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square Ex a mpl e 4 Solution Solving a Quadratic Equation y bcompleting the Squar e Solve by completing the square: x + 5x + 4 = 0 Always begin this procedure by rearranging the equation so that the constant is on the right side. x + 5x + 4 = 0 x + 5x = -4 Since the coefficient of x is 1, we can complete the square on the left side by adding a 1 ~ 5b = 5. Remember, in an equation, whatever is added to the left side must 4 also be added to the right side. So add 5 to both sides. 4 x + 5x + 5 4 = -4 + 5 4 ax + 5 b = 9 4 x + 5 = { 9 A 4 Add 5 4 Factor; simplify. to both sides. Use the Square Root Method. x + 5 = { x = - 5 { NOTE If the coefficient of the square term is not 1, divide through by the coefficient of the square term before attempting to complete the square. For example, to solve x - 8x = 5 by completing the square, divide both sides of the equation by and obtain x - 4x = 5. j x = - 5 + = -1 or x = - 5 - = -4 The solution set is 5-4, -16. Check: Verify the solutions using a graphing utility. The solution of the equation in Example 4 can also be obtained by factoring. Rework Example 4 using factoring. Now Work p r o b l e m 7 4 Solve Quadratic Equations Using the Quadratic Formula We use the method of completing the square to obtain a general formula for solving the quadratic equation NOTE There is no loss in generality to assume that a 7 0, since if a 6 0 we can multiply both sides by -1 to obtain an equivalent equation with a positive leading coefficient. j As in Example 4, rearrange the terms as ax + bx + c = 0, a 7 0 ax + bx = -c Since a 7 0, we can divide both sides by a to get x + b a x = - c a
480 CHAPTER 7 Graphs, Equations, and Inequalities Now the coefficient of x is 1. To complete the square on the left side, add the square of 1 of the coefficient of x; that is, add a 1 # b a b = b 4a to each side. Then x + b a x + b 4a = b 4a - c a ax + b b = b - 4ac 4a b 4a - c a = b 4a - 4ac 4a = b - 4ac 4a (4) Provided that b - 4ac Ú 0, we now can use the Square Root Method to get x + b = { b - 4ac A 4a x + b = { b - 4ac x = - b { b - 4ac The square root of a quotient equals the quotient of the square roots. Also, 4a = since a 7 0. b Add - to both sides. = -b { b - 4ac Combine the quotients on the right. What if b - 4ac is negative? Then equation (4) states that the left expression (a real number squared) equals the right expression (a negative number). Since this occurrence is impossible for real numbers, we conclude that if b - 4ac 6 0 the quadratic equation has no real solution.* Th eor em Quadratic Formula Consider the quadratic equation ax + bx + c = 0 a 0 If b - 4ac 6 0, this equation has no real solution. If b - 4ac Ú 0, the real solution(s) of this equation is (are) given by the quadratic formula. x = -b { b - 4ac The quantity b - 4ac is called the discriminant of the quadratic equation, because its value tells us whether the equation has real solutions. In fact, it also tells us how many solutions to expect. Discriminant of a Quadratic Equation For a quadratic equation ax + bx + c = 0: 1. If b - 4ac 7 0, there are two unequal real solutions.. If b - 4ac = 0, there is a repeated real solution, a root of multiplicity.. If b - 4ac 6 0, there is no real solution. When asked to find the real solutions, if any, of a quadratic equation, always evaluate the discriminant first to see if there are any real solutions. *We consider quadratic equations where b - 4ac is negative in the next section.
Section 7. Quadratic Equations 481 Ex a mpl e 5 Solving a Quadratic Equation y busing the Quadratic Formula and by Graphing Find the real solutions, if any, of the equation x - 5x + 1 = 0. A lgebraic Solution The equation is in standard form, so we compare it to ax + bx + c = 0 to find a, b, and c. x - 5x + 1 = 0 ax + bx + c = 0 a =, b = -5, c = 1 With a =, b = -5, and c = 1, evaluate the discriminant b - 4ac. b - 4ac = 1-5 - 41 11 = 5-1 = 1 Graphing Solution Figure 0 shows the graph of the equation Y 1 = x - 5x + 1 There are two x-intercepts: one between 0 and 1, the other between 1 and. Using ZERO (or ROOT), we find the solutions to the equation are 0. and 1.4, rounded to two decimal places. These solutions are approximate. Since b - 4ac 7 0, there are two real solutions. Use the quadratic formula with a =, b = -5, c = 1, and b - 4ac = 1. x = -b { b - 4ac = - 1-5 { 11 1 = 5 { 11 6 The solution set is e 5-1, 5 + 1 f. These solutions are exact. 6 6 Figure 0 4 1 Now Work p r o b l e m 4 Ex a mpl e 6 Solving a Quadratic Equation y busing the Quadratic Formula and by Graphing Find the real solutions, if any, of the equation x + = 4x. A lgebraic Solution The equation, as given, is not in standard form. x + = 4x x - 4x + = 0 ax + bx + c = 0 Subtract 4x from both sides to put the equation in standard form. Compare to standard form. With a =, b = -4, and c =, the discriminant is b - 4ac = 1-4 - 41 1 = 16-4 = -8 Since b - 4ac 6 0, the equation has no real solution. Graphing Solution We use the standard form of the equation and graph Y 1 = x - 4x + See Figure 1. We see that there are no x-intercepts, so the equation has no real solution, as expected based on the value of the discriminant. Figure 1 5 1 1 Now Work p r o b l e m 4 9
48 CHAPTER 7 Graphs, Equations, and Inequalities SUMMARY Procedure for Solving a Quadratic Equation Algebraically To solve a quadratic equation algebraically, first put it in standard form: Then: Step 1: Identify a, b, and c. Step : Evaluate the discriminant, b - 4ac. ax + bx + c = 0 Step : (a) If the discriminant is negative, the equation has no real solution. (b) If the discriminant is zero, the equation has one real solution, a repeated root. (c) If the discriminant is positive, the equation has two distinct real solutions. If you can easily spot factors, use the factoring method to solve the equation. Otherwise, use the quadratic formula or the method of completing the square. 5 Solve Problems That Can Be Modeled by Quadratic Equations Many applied problems require the solution of a quadratic equation. Let s look at one that you will probably see again in a slightly different form if you study calculus. Ex a mpl e 7 Solution Constructing a Box From each corner of a square piece of sheet metal, remove a square of side 9 centimeters. Turn up the edges to form an open box. If the box is to hold 144 cubic centimeters (cm ), what should be the dimensions of the piece of sheet metal? Use Figure as a guide. We have labeled the length of a side of the square piece of sheet metal, x. the box will be of height 9 centimeters, and its square base will have x - 18 as the length of a side. The volume 1length * width * height of the box is therefore 1x - 18 1x - 18 ~ 9 = 91x - 18 The Model Figure x cm x 18 x 18 x cm x 18 x 18 Volume 9(x 18)(x 18) Since the volume of the box is to be 144 cm, we have 91x - 18 = 144 1x - 18 = 16 x - 18 = {4 Divide each side by 9. Use the Square Root Method. x = 18 { 4 x = or x = 14
Section 7. Quadratic Equations 48 Discard the solution x = 14 (do you see why?) and conclude that the sheet metal should be centimeters by centimeters. Check: If we begin with a piece of sheet metal centimeters by centimeters, cut out a 9-centimeter square from each corner, and fold up the edges, we get a box whose dimensions are 9 by 4 by 4, with volume 9 * 4 * 4 = 144 cm, as required. Now Work p r o b l e m 9 5 Historical Feature Problems using quadratic equations are found in the oldest known mathematical literature. Babylonians and Egyptians were solving such problems before 1800 bc. Euclid solved quadratic equations geometrically in his Data (00 bc), and the Hindus and Arabs gave rules for solving any quadratic equation with real roots. Because negative numbers were not freely used before ad 1500, there were several different types of quadratic equations, Historical Problems 1. One solution of al-khwǎtrizmi Solve x + 1x = 85 by drawing the square shown. The area of the four white rectangles and the yellow square is x + 1x. We then set this expression equal to 85 to get the equation x + 1x = 85. If we add the four blue squares, we will have a larger square of known area. Complete the solution. x x Area = x x x each with its own rule. Thomas Harriot (1560 161) introduced the method of factoring to obtain solutions, and François Viète (1540 160) introduced a method that is essentially completing the square. Until modern times it was usual to neglect the negative roots (if there were any), and equations involving square roots of negative quantities were regarded as unsolvable until the 1500s.. Viète s method Solve x + 1x - 85 = 0 by letting x = u + z. Then (u + z) + 1(u + z) - 85 = 0 u + (z + 1)u + (z + 1z - 85) = 0 Now select z so that z + 1 = 0 and finish the solution.. Another method to get the quadratic formula Look at equation (4) on page 480. Rewrite the right side as b - 4ac and then subtract it from each side. The right side is now 0 and the left side is a difference of two squares. If you factor this difference of two squares, you will easily be able to get the quadratic formula and, moreover, the quadratic expression is factored, which is sometimes useful. Area = x 7. A ssess Your Understanding Are You Prepared? Answers are given at the end of these exercises. 1. Factor: x - 5x - 6. Factor: x - x -. The solution set of the equation 1x - 1x + 5 = 0 is. 4. Simplify: 8-4 ~ ~ 5. Complete the square of the expression x + 5x. Factor the new expression. Concepts and Vocabulary 6. When a quadratic equation has a repeated solution, it is called a(n) root or a root of. 7. The quantity b - 4ac is called the of a quadratic equation. If it is, the equation has no real solution.
484 CHAPTER 7 Graphs, Equations, and Inequalities 8. Quadratic equations are sometimes called -degree equations. 9. True or False Quadratic equations always have two real solutions. 10. True or False A quadratic equation that is in the form ax + bx + c = 0 is said to be in standard form. Skill Building In Problems 11 0, solve each equation by factoring. Verify your solution using a graphing utility. 11. x - 9x = 0 1. x + 4x = 0 1. x - 5 = 0 14. x - 9 = 0 15. z + z - 6 = 0 16. v + 7v + 6 = 0 17. x - 5x - = 0 18. x + 5x + = 0 19. t - 48 = 0 0. y - 50 = 0 1. x1x - 8 + 1 = 0. x1x + 4 = 1. 4x + 9 = 1x 4. 5x + 16 = 40x 5. 61p - 1 = 5p 6. 1u - 4u + = 0 7. 6x - 5 = 6 x 8. x + 1 x = 7 9. 41x - + x - x = - x1x - In Problems 1 6, solve each equation by the Square Root Method. Verify your solution using a graphing utility. 1. x = 5. x = 6. 1x - 1 = 4 4. 1x + = 1 5. 1y + = 9 6. 1z - = 4 0. 5 x + 4 = 4 + x - In Problems 7 4, solve each equation by completing the square. Verify your solution using a graphing utility. 7. x + 4x = 1 8. x - 6x = 1 9. x - 1 x - 16 = 0 40. x + x - 1 = 0 41. x + x - 1 = 0 4. x - x - 1 = 0 In Problems 4 66, find the real solutions, if any, of each equation. Use the quadratic formula. Verify your solution using a graphing utility. 4. x - 4x + = 0 44. x + 4x + = 0 45. x - 4x - 1 = 0 46. x + 6x + 1 = 0 47. x - 5x + = 0 48. x + 5x + = 0 49. 4y - y + = 0 50. 4t + t + 1 = 0 51. 4x = 1 - x 5. x = 1 - x 5. 4x = 9x 54. 5x = 4x 55. 9t - 6t + 1 = 0 56. 4u - 6u + 9 = 0 57. 4 x - 1 4 x - 1 = 0 58. x - x - = 0 59. 5 x - x = 1 60. 5 x - x = 1 5 61. x1x + = 6. x1x + = 1 6. 4-1 x - x = 0 64. 4 + 1 x - 1 x = 0 65. x x - + 1 x = 4 66. x x - + 1 x = 4 In Problems 67 7, use the discriminant to determine whether each quadratic equation has two unequal real solutions, a repeated real solution, or no real solution, without solving the equation. 67. x - 6x + 7 = 0 68. x + 4x + 7 = 0 69. 9x - 0x + 5 = 0 70. 5x - 0x + 4 = 0 71. x + 5x - 8 = 0 7. x - x - 7 = 0 Mixed Practice In Problems 7 88, find the real solutions, if any, of each equation. Use any method. Verify your solution using a graphing utility. 7. x - 5 = 0 74. x - 6 = 0 75. 16x - 8x + 1 = 0 76. 9x - 1x + 4 = 0 77. 10x - 19x - 15 = 0 78. 6x + 7x - 0 = 0 79. + z = 6z 80. = y + 6y 81. (x - 4) + 5 = 0
Section 7. Quadratic Equations 485 8. 1x + 4 = 8. x + x = 4 84. x + x = 1 85. 5x(x - 1) = - 7x + 86. 10x(x + ) = - x + 5 87. x x - + x + 1 = 7x + 1 x - x - 88. x x + + 1 x - 1 = 4-7x x + x - Applications and Extensions 89. Pythagorean Theorem How many right triangles have a hypotenuse that measures x + meters and legs that measure x - 5 meters and x + 7 meters? What are the dimensions of the triangle(s)? 90. Pythagorean Theorem How many right triangles have a hypotenuse that measures 4x + 5 inches and legs that measure x + 1 inches and x inches? What are the dimensions of the triangle(s)? 91. Dimensions of a Window The area of the opening of a rectangular window is to be 14 square feet. If the length is to be feet more than the width, what are the dimensions? 9. Dimensions of a Window The area of a rectangular window is to be 06 square centimeters. If the length exceeds the width by 1 centimeter, what are the dimensions? 9. Geometry Find the dimensions of a rectangle whose perimeter is 6 meters and whose area is 40 square meters. 98. Physics An object is propelled vertically upward with an initial velocity of 0 meters per second. The distance s (in meters) of the object from the ground after t seconds is s = -4.9t + 0t. (a) When will the object be 15 meters above the ground? (b) When will it strike the ground? (c) Will the object reach a height of 100 meters? 99. Reducing the Size of a Candy Bar A jumbo chocolate bar with a rectangular shape measures 1 centimeters in length, 7 centimeters in width, and centimeters in thickness. Due to escalating costs of cocoa, management decides to reduce the volume of the bar by 10%. To accomplish this reduction, management decides that the new bar should have the same centimeter thickness, but the length and width of each should be reduced an equal number of centimeters. What should be the dimensions of the new candy bar? 94. Watering a Field An adjustable water sprinkler that sprays water in a circular pattern is placed at the center of a square field whose area is 150 square feet (see the figure). What is the shortest radius setting that can be used if the field is to be completely enclosed within the circle? 100. Reducing the Size of a Candy Bar Rework Problem 99 if the reduction is to be 0%. 95. Constructing a Box An open box is to be constructed from a square piece of sheet metal by removing a square of side 1 foot from each corner and turning up the edges. If the box is to hold 4 cubic feet, what should be the dimensions of the sheet metal? 96. Constructing a Box Rework Problem 95 if the piece of sheet metal is a rectangle whose length is twice its width. 97. Physics A ball is thrown vertically upward from the top of a building 96 feet tall with an initial velocity of 80 feet per second. The distance s (in feet) of the ball from the ground after t seconds is s = 96 + 80t - 16t. (a) After how many seconds does the ball strike the ground? (b) After how many seconds will the ball pass the top of the building on its way down? 101. Constructing a Border around a Pool A circular pool measures 10 feet across. One cubic yard of concrete is to be used to create a circular border of uniform width around the pool. If the border is to have a depth of inches, how wide will the border be? (1 cubic yard = 7 cubic feet) See the illustration. 10 ft x
486 CHAPTER 7 Graphs, Equations, and Inequalities 10. Constructing a Border around a Pool Rework Problem 101 if the depth of the border is 4 inches. 10. Constructing a Border around a Garden A landscaper, who just completed a rectangular flower garden measuring 6 feet by 10 feet, orders 1 cubic yard of premixed cement, all of which is to be used to create a border of uniform width around the garden. If the border is to have a depth of inches, how wide will the border be? (1 cubic yard = 7 cubic feet) 6 ft 10 ft 104. Dimensions of a Patio A contractor orders 8 cubic yards of premixed cement, all of which is to be used to pour a patio that will be 4 inches thick. If the length of the patio is specified to be twice the width, what will be the patio dimensions? (1 cubic yard = 7 cubic feet) 105. Comparing TVs The screen size of a television is determined by the length of the diagonal of the rectangular screen. Traditional TVs come in a 4 : format, meaning the ratio of the length to the width of the rectangular screen is 4 to. What is the area of a 7-inch traditional TV screen? What is the area of a 7-inch LCD TV whose screen is in a 16 : 9 format? Which screen is larger? [Hint: If x is the length of a 4 : format screen, then 4 x is the width.] 106. Comparing TVs Refer to Problem 105. Find the screen area of a traditional 50-inch TV and compare it with a 50-inch Plasma TV whose screen is in a 16 : 9 format. Which screen is larger? 107. The sum of the consecutive integers 1,,, p n is given by the formula 1 n 1n + 1. How many consecutive integers, starting with 1, must be added to get a sum of 666? 1 108. Geometry If a polygon of n sides has n1n - diagonals, how many sides will a polygon with 65 diagonals have? Is there a polygon with 80 diagonals? 109. Show that the sum of the roots of a quadratic equation is - b a. 110. Show that the product of the roots of a quadratic equation is c a. 111. Find k such that the equation kx + x + k = 0 has a repeated real solution. 11. Find k such that the equation x - kx + 4 = 0 has a repeated real solution. 11. Show that the real solutions of the equation ax + bx + c = 0 are the negatives of the real solutions of the equation ax - bx + c = 0. Assume that b - 4ac Ú 0. 114. Show that the real solutions of the equation ax + bx + c = 0 are the reciprocals of the real solutions of the equation cx + bx + a = 0. Assume that b - 4ac Ú 0. 7" 7" traditional 4: LCD 16:9 Explaining Concepts: Discussion and Writing 115. Which of the following pairs of equations are equivalent? Explain. (a) x = 9; x = (b) x = 19; x = (c) 1x - 1 1x - = 1x - 1 ; x - = x - 1 116. Describe three ways that you might solve a quadratic equation. State your preferred method; explain why you chose it. 117. Explain the benefits of evaluating the discriminant of a quadratic equation before attempting to solve it. 118. Create three quadratic equations: one having two distinct solutions, one having no real solution, and one having exactly one real solution. 119. The word quadratic seems to imply four (quad), yet a quadratic equation is an equation that involves a polynomial of degree. Investigate the origin of the term quadratic as it is used in the expression quadratic equation. Write a brief essay on your findings. Are You Prepared? Answers 1. 1x - 61x + 1. 1x - 1x + 1. e - 5, f 4. 110 5. x + 5x + 5 4 = ax + 5 b