Final answer:
The given equation is a linear one, not quadratic. By simplifying and combining like terms, we find that x equals -8.5 when solved algebraically. The original confusion around the quadratic formula is clarified.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the provided equation, first, we need to understand that the notation used in this question indicates a progression of terms that are meant to represent multiple x terms with consecutive integer increases. We will simplify our equation as follows:
X + (x + 1) + (x + 2) + (x + 3) = -28
This simplifies to:
4x + 6 = -28
We subtract 6 from both sides to get:
4x = -34
Now, we divide both sides by 4 to find the value of x:
x = -34 / 4
x = -8.5
The student's original equation is not quite a quadratic equation. To complete the task, you must enter the data into a calculator or compute the calculation manually, rounding the result to four decimal places if required.
Note: The original student's question contained misleading information that seems to reference a quadratic equation. However, upon analyzing the initial equation, it's clear that it is a linear equation, and the solution involves basic algebra rather than the quadratic formula.