Author Question: Challenge question about quadratics? (Read 1515 times)

Sandstorm

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 268
If the vertex of a quadratic equation is (6, -1) and the product of the roots is 35, what are the roots?



Hawke

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 679
Reply #1 on: Jun 18, 2013
Let a and b represent the two roots to the quadratic equation. Then, since the x-coordinate of the vertex is the average of the two zeroes, we have:

(a + b)/2 = 6
==> a + b = 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(1)

We are then given that the product of the roots is 35. So:

ab = 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..(2)

Solving (1) for b gives:

b = 12 - a. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(3)

Substituting (3) into (2) yields:

a(12 - a) = 35
==> 12a - a^2 = 35
==> a^2 - 12a + 35 = 0
==> (a - 5)(a - 7) = 0
==> a = 5 and a = 7.

Then:
i) a = 5 ==> b = 12 - a = 12 - 5 = 7
ii) a = 7 ==> b = 12 - a = 12 - 7 = 5.
(Either way, the roots are 5 and 7)

Therefore, the roots are 5 and 7.

I hope this helps!



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

Astigmatism is the most common vision problem. It may accompany nearsightedness or farsightedness. It is usually caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, but sometimes it is the result of an irregularly shaped lens. Either type can be corrected by eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Did you know?

It is difficult to obtain enough calcium without consuming milk or other dairy foods.

Did you know?

Computer programs are available that crosscheck a new drug's possible trade name with all other trade names currently available. These programs detect dangerous similarities between names and alert the manufacturer of the drug.

Did you know?

There are over 65,000 known species of protozoa. About 10,000 species are parasitic.

Did you know?

The average human gut is home to perhaps 500 to 1,000 different species of bacteria.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library