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Solve the quadratic equation for x. What is one of the roots? 3x2 − 14x − 5 = 0

A) −3
B) −5
C) − 1 3
D) 3

User Jonatas Borges
by
3.1k points

1 Answer

16 votes
16 votes

Answer:

b: -5

Explanation:

To solve the equation, factor the left hand side by grouping. First, left hand side needs to be rewritten as 3x

2

+ax+bx−5. To find a and b, set up a system to be solved.

a+b=14

ab=3(−5)=−15

Since ab is negative, a and b have the opposite signs. Since a+b is positive, the positive number has greater absolute value than the negative. List all such integer pairs that give product −15.

−1,15

−3,5

Calculate the sum for each pair.

−1+15=14

−3+5=2

The solution is the pair that gives sum 14.

a=−1

b=15

Rewrite 3x

2

+14x−5 as (3x

2

−x)+(15x−5).

(3x

2

−x)+(15x−5)

Factor out x in the first and 5 in the second group.

x(3x−1)+5(3x−1)

Factor out common term 3x−1 by using distributive property.

(3x−1)(x+5)

To find equation solutions, solve 3x−1=0 and x+5=0.

x=

3

1

x=−5

User StefanKssmr
by
2.5k points