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19 votes
19 votes
Find the values of m for which the equation

x^2 +2mx + 9 = 0 has no real roots

User Timon Post
by
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1 Answer

18 votes
18 votes

Answer:

Interval notation for m: (-3,3)

Inequality notation: -3<m<3

In words: Anything between -3 and 3 without including either -3 or 3.

Explanation:

If we want no real roots then b^2-4ac must be less than 0.

a=1

b=2m

c=9

These values were found by comparing your equation to ax^2+bx+c=0.

b^2-4ac<0 is what we are trying to satisfy

(2m)^2-4(1)(9)<0

4m^2-36<0

Divide both sides by 4:

m^2-9<0

Add 9 on both sides:

m^2<9

m^2<9 when m<3 and m>-3.

Interval notation (-3,3).

User Yuval Pruss
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