Discover the Steps to Solve for X in a Chemistry pH Equation

  • Thread starter Thread starter stressedout
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a chemistry problem involving the calculation of pH, specifically solving for x in the equation (x + 1*10^-8)(x) = 1.0*10^-14. The original poster expresses difficulty in proceeding with the mathematical steps required to isolate x.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of the equation and the transformation into a quadratic form. The original poster questions how to begin solving the equation due to the presence of two x's. Others mention the quadratic formula as a potential method for solving the equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance by suggesting the quadratic formula and confirming the original poster's familiarity with it. The conversation indicates a productive direction, as the original poster is encouraged to revisit their earlier attempts with this method.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has expressed frustration with the problem setup and has indicated a lack of clarity on how to proceed, which may be affecting their confidence in applying the quadratic formula.

stressedout
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Hi,

I have a mathematical problem coming from chemistry (dealing with pH). I've set everything up but can't do the math, I need the math steps to be shown to me.

How do you solve for x in this equation?
(x + 1*10^-8) (x) = 1.0*10^-14

x should be equal to 9.5 x 10^-8, but what steps do you take to get this value? I have tried this problem for a while and keep getting stuck because there are 2 x's on the left side of the equation. I don't know where to begin anymore or what to do. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
please do not double post.

see this thread.
 
(x + 1*10^-8) (x) = 1.0*10^-14
x^2 + 1*10^-8x=1*10^-14
x^2 + 1*10^-8x - 1*10^-14 =0

do you know quatratic formulas?
 
Sorry Integral, I posted and about 10 minutes later I thought I posted in the wrong section so I edited my post and decided maybe I should be posting my question here instead. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction for the solution (I looked at the other thread).

Thanks vincentchan, yes, I know the quadratic formula.
- b +/- sqrt b^2 - 4(a)(c) over 2a
I tried this at one point, but got confused and thought it was wrong. I'll try it again.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
13
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
32
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
2K