Multiple Choice
Solve the given quadratic equation by completing the square.
0. Review of College Algebra
Solving Quadratic Equations
3:36 minutesProblem R.6.67
Textbook Question
Solve each quadratic equation using the quadratic formula. See Example 7.
x² - x - 1 = 0
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the coefficients in the quadratic equation \(x^2 - x - 1 = 0\). Here, \(a = 1\), \(b = -1\), and \(c = -1\).
Recall the quadratic formula: \(x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\).
Substitute the values of \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) into the quadratic formula: \(x = \frac{-(-1) \pm \sqrt{(-1)^2 - 4 \times 1 \times (-1)}}{2 \times 1}\).
Simplify inside the square root (the discriminant): calculate \(b^2 - 4ac = (-1)^2 - 4 \times 1 \times (-1)\).
Evaluate the entire expression under the square root and then write the two possible solutions for \(x\) using the \(\pm\) sign.
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Video duration:
3mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Quadratic Equation
A quadratic equation is a second-degree polynomial equation in the form ax² + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants and a ≠ 0. It represents a parabola when graphed and can have zero, one, or two real solutions depending on the discriminant.
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Quadratic Formula
The quadratic formula x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a) provides the solutions to any quadratic equation ax² + bx + c = 0. It uses the coefficients a, b, and c to find the roots, including complex solutions when the discriminant is negative.
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Discriminant
The discriminant, given by Δ = b² - 4ac, determines the nature of the roots of a quadratic equation. If Δ > 0, there are two distinct real roots; if Δ = 0, one real root; and if Δ < 0, two complex conjugate roots.
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