Solving y=8x-2x^2 and y=4x-x^2 for x - Thank You!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equations y=8x-2x^2 and y=4x-x^2 for x. Participants explore various methods for rearranging these quadratic equations to express x in terms of y, discussing the implications of these transformations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests completing the square as a method for solving quadratic functions.
  • Another participant describes a step-by-step approach involving dividing both sides, adding a constant, and then taking the square root to isolate x.
  • Some participants note that the functions may not be invertible over all real numbers, indicating that solutions for x may only be valid over specific intervals.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding the values of the two functions at x=1, pointing out that they yield different results.
  • Another participant proposes a derived expression for x based on y, although they acknowledge it has not been tested.
  • Multiple participants provide their own applications of the quadratic formula to derive expressions for x in terms of y for both equations.
  • There is a disagreement regarding the correctness of a previous step, with some participants asserting it is correct while others challenge it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method for solving the equations or the validity of certain steps. There are competing views on the correctness of derived expressions and the invertibility of the functions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the need for specific intervals for the functions to be invertible, and there are unresolved questions about the implications of using the quadratic formula in this context.

shoopa
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please help, how can i make y=8x-2x^2 go to x= something y

same with y=4x-x^2 goes to x=

thank you for help!
 
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Always by completing the square for quadratic functions.
 
The method is pretty straight forward. Just divide both sides so that x^2 has a coefficient of 1. Then add on a constant C to both sides so that the right hand side is a square (remember square quadratics have the form X^2 + 2*b + b^2 = (x+b)^2). Then you just need to square root both sides and then it becomes clear how to get the x alone. You may want to add a [tex]\pm[/tex] when you take the square root if you are doing that in this class.

so for y = ax^2 +bx just divide both sides by a, add (b/(2a))^2. Then the right hand side can be written out as (x + b/(2a))^2. Then just square root and add stuff around. Remember nothing says a or b can't be negative. a just can't be 0.
 
You can express "x" in terms of "y" only on a certain interval.That is to say that the function "y(x)" is invertible only on an interval,and not on R.

Daniel.
 
Yes, but I think that that won't be a good function, since it doesn't map -to one on any interval.

EDIT:
Ah, I see now that you mean interval of x. Sorry.
 
Last edited:
I think that I can correctly derive (without testing) that

[tex]x = \sqrt { \frac {y} {2} } + \frac {8} {y}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
I don't understand. 8*1-2*1^2=6 but 6*1-1^2=5
So the two functions differ at 1 right?
The first case you should get [tex]x=2\pm 1/2\,\sqrt {16-2\,y}[/tex]
and the second cased
[tex]x=3/4\pm 1/4\,\sqrt {9-4\,y}[/tex]
Two different answers for two different equations.
 
y=8x-2x^2--> 8x-2x^2-y=0--> 2x^2-8x+y=0
use quadratic formula!
 
never mind! that was wrong
 
  • #10
no! it's not! it's right! (sorry for not being sure )
 
  • #11
'Twas not.It was correct.How else could this problem b solved?

Daniel.
 
  • #12
u should be strongwilled baby garfield, the step is right, the use of the quadratic formula gives x in terms of y and that satisfies ur problem dexter
 
  • #13
[tex]y = 8x - 2x^2[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow 2x^2 - 8x + y = 0[/tex]

Apply to quadratic formula: [tex]x = \frac{ -b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}[/tex]

a = 2, b = -8 and c = y

[tex]x = \frac{ 8 \pm \sqrt{(-8^2) - (4 \times 2 \times y)}}{2 \times 2}[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow x = \frac{ 8 \pm \sqrt{64 - 8y}}{4}[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow x = 2 \pm \sqrt{4 - \frac{1}{2}y}[/tex]

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
Last edited:
  • #14
[tex]y = 4x - x^2[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow x^2 - 4x + y = 0[/tex]

Apply to quadratic formula: [tex]x = \frac{ -b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}[/tex]

a = 1, b = -4 and c = y

[tex]x = \frac{ 4 \pm \sqrt{(-4^2) - (4 \times 1 \times y)}}{2 \times 1}[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow x = \frac{ 8 \pm \sqrt{16 - 4y}}{2}[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow x = 4 \pm \sqrt{4 - y}[/tex]

The Bob (2004 ©)
 

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