Question

Consider any real number such that its square decreased by four times the number is 14. Find the exact value of the numbers.

a) -3, 5
b) 2, -4
c) -2, 4
d) 3, -5

Answer 1

To solve the problem, set up a quadratic equation, rearrange it, and solve for x. The correct values are -2 and 4.

Step-by-step explanation:

To solve this problem, we need to set up a quadratic equation. Let's call the real number x. According to the problem, (x^2) - 4x = 14.

Next, we rearrange the equation to bring everything to one side and set it equal to zero: x^2 - 4x - 14 = 0.

We can solve this quadratic equation by factoring, completing the square, or using the quadratic formula. The correct values for x that satisfy the equation are -2 and 4, so the answer is c) -2, 4.