Question

What does it mean to approximate the zeros? And how would I do that?

Answer 1

x ≈ - 1.56

x ≈ 2.56

Explanation:

x^2 - x = 4

x^2 - x + 1/4 = 17/4

( x - 1/2 )^2 = 17/4

x - 1/2 =Sqrt[17]/2 or x - 1/2 = - (Sqrt[17]/2)

x = 1/2 + Sqrt[17]/2 or x = 1/2 - (Sqrt[17]/2)

The formula - b +- srt(b^2 - 4ac) / 2a could also be used