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The difference between the roots of the quadratic equation 5x²-x-k=0 is 1.8. Find the value of k.

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Final answer:

The value of k in the quadratic equation 5x²-x-k=0, with the difference between its roots being 1.8, is 0.76.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves finding the value of k in the quadratic equation 5x²-x-k=0 given that the difference between its roots is 1.8. We know that the difference between the roots of a quadratic equation ax²+bx+c=0 can be found using the relationship difference = √(b²-4ac)/|a|.

For the quadratic equation 5x²-x-k=0, we have:

  • a = 5, b = -1, and c = -k.

Therefore, we can set up the equation according to the difference of roots:

  • 1.8 = √((-1)²-4(5)(-k))/|5| = √(1 + 20k)/5

Squaring both sides and solving for k gives us:

  • (1.8)² = (1+20k)/5
  • 3.24 * 5 = 1 + 20k
  • 16.2 = 1 + 20k
  • k = (16.2 - 1)/20 = 0.76

Hence, the value of k is 0.76.

User Lam Le
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