Question

Use the quadratic formula to solve the quadratic equation 2x² – 5x – 7 = 0.

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Separate multiple solutions with commas if necessary.

Answer 1

x = 7/2, -1

Explanation:

The quadratic formula is x = (-b ± sqrt(b^2 - 4ac))/2a.

Plugging this in,

x = (5 ± sqrt((-5)^2 - 4(2)(-7)))/2(2)

x = (5 ± sqrt(25 + 56))/4

x = (5 ± sqrt(81))/4

x = (5 ± 9)/4

x = 14/4 = 7/2

OR

x = -4 / 4 = -1

So the solutions are x = 7/2, -1.