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Evaluate each expression for , , and
Here are four equations, followed by attempts to solve them using the quadratic formula. Each attempt contains at least one error.
Equation 1:
Equation 2:
Equation 3:
Equation 4:
Here are the worked solutions with errors:
Equation 1:
Equation 2:
Equation 3:
Equation 4:
The equation represents the height, as a function of time, of a pumpkin that was catapulted up in the air. Height is measured in meters, and time is measured in seconds.
The equation models the revenue a band expects to collect as a function of the price of one concert ticket. Ticket prices and revenues are in dollars.
A band member says that a ticket price of either \$15.50 or \$74.50 would generate approximately \$1,000 in revenue. Do you agree? Show your reasoning.
The quadratic formula has many parts in it. A small error in any one part can lead to incorrect solutions.
Suppose we are solving . To use the formula, let's rewrite it in the form of , which gives .
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Use the correct values for , , and in the formula.
Nope! is -11, so is , which is 11, not -11.
That’s better!
Multiply 2 by for the denominator in the formula.
Nope! The denominator is , which is , or 4.
That’s better!
Remember that squaring a negative number produces a positive number.
Nope! is 121, not -121.
That’s better!
Remember that a negative number times a positive number is a negative number.
Nope! , and is .
That’s better!
Follow the properties of algebra.
Nope! Both parts of the numerator, 11 and , get divided by 4. Also, is not .
That’s better!
Let’s finish by evaluating correctly:
To make sure our solutions are correct, we can substitute each solution back into the original equation and see whether it results in a true equation.
Checking 6 as a solution:
Checking as a solution:
We can also graph the equation and find its -intercepts to see whether our solutions to are accurate (or close to accurate).