Author Question: Challenge question about quadratics? (Read 2918 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?

The cure for trichomoniasis is easy as long as the patient does not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours. Just a single dose of medication is needed to rid the body of the disease. However, without proper precautions, an individual may contract the disease repeatedly. In fact, most people develop trichomoniasis again within three months of their last treatment.

Did you know?

The use of salicylates dates back 2,500 years to Hippocrates's recommendation of willow bark (from which a salicylate is derived) as an aid to the pains of childbirth. However, overdosage of salicylates can harm body fluids, electrolytes, the CNS, the GI tract, the ears, the lungs, the blood, the liver, and the kidneys and cause coma or death.

Did you know?

Allergies play a major part in the health of children. The most prevalent childhood allergies are milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, and seafood.

Did you know?

Alcohol acts as a diuretic. Eight ounces of water is needed to metabolize just 1 ounce of alcohol.

Did you know?

Fewer than 10% of babies are born on their exact due dates, 50% are born within 1 week of the due date, and 90% are born within 2 weeks of the date.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library