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If you have an equation of the form ax2 + c = 0, with a > 0, under what conditions will there be no real solutions?

User Infominer
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Answer:

If c>0, then the solution is imaginary, which is not a real solution.

Explanation:

ax^2 + c = 0, with a > 0

Subtract c from each side

ax^2 +c-c = 0-c

ax^2 = -c

Divide each side by a

ax^2/a = -c/a

x^2 = -c/a

Take the square root of each side

sqrt(x^2) = sqrt(-c/a)

AAAAAAAH

The only way to have real square roots is for -c/a to be positive.

We know that a>0, so -c >0

-c>0

Divide each side by -1, remembering to flip the inequality

c<0

If c<0 we have real solutions

If c=0 then x=0 which is a real solution

If c>0, then the solution is imaginary, which is not a real solution.

User Dan Head
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