3x^2 + 2x - k = 0, find 3α^2 - 2β in terms of k

  • Thread starter Thread starter tony24810
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Terms
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the quadratic equation 3x² + 2x - k = 0 for its roots α and β, and subsequently finding the expression for 3α² - 2β in terms of the constant k. The roots are derived using the relationships αβ = -k/3 and α + β = -2/3. The correct solution is established as 4/3 + k, while an alternative method yields an additional term involving the square root, specifically 4/3 + k + sqrt(4 + 12k)/6. The breakthrough in understanding came when the participants named the equations, leading to clarity in the solution process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quadratic equations and their roots
  • Familiarity with Vieta's formulas
  • Knowledge of the quadratic formula: (-b ± sqrt(b² - 4ac)) / 2a
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Vieta's formulas in depth to understand relationships between roots and coefficients
  • Practice solving quadratic equations using the quadratic formula
  • Explore advanced algebraic identities that simplify polynomial expressions
  • Learn how to derive expressions involving roots of equations systematically
USEFUL FOR

Students studying algebra, particularly those tackling quadratic equations, educators teaching mathematical concepts, and anyone interested in enhancing their problem-solving skills in algebra.

tony24810
Messages
42
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Let k be a constant. If α and β are the roots of the equation 3x^2 + 2x - k = 0, find the value of 3α^2 - 2β in terms of k.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Obviously, the usual

αβ = -k/3
α + β = -2/3

has been written but I couldn't put them into the equation required despite a full hour's effort.

Also, tried writing (-b+-sqrt(b^2-4ac))/2a, and put respective roots into the equation, it yields something similar to the provided solution, but has an extra root term.

The solution is 4/3 + k.

The latter method gets 4/3 + k + sqrt(4+12k)/6.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
tony24810 said:

Homework Statement



Let k be a constant. If α and β are the roots of the equation 3x^2 + 2x - k = 0, find the value of 3α^2 - 2β in terms of k.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Obviously, the usual

αβ = -k/3
α + β = -2/3

has been written but I couldn't put them into the equation required despite a full hour's effort.

Also, tried writing (-b+-sqrt(b^2-4ac))/2a, and put respective roots into the equation, it yields something similar to the provided solution, but has an extra root term.

The solution is 4/3 + k.

The latter method gets 4/3 + k + sqrt(4+12k)/6.
Considering k to be a constant, solve the second equation below for α or β, then substitute into the first equation.
αβ = -k/3
α + β = -2/3
 
Mark44 said:
Considering k to be a constant, solve the second equation below for α or β, then substitute into the first equation.
αβ = -k/3
α + β = -2/3

It has a β^2 term leftover.
 
tony24810 said:

Homework Statement



Let k be a constant. If α and β are the roots of the equation 3x^2 + 2x - k = 0, find the value of 3α^2 - 2β in terms of k.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Obviously, the usual

αβ = -k/3
α + β = -2/3

has been written but I couldn't put them into the equation required despite a full hour's effort.

Also, tried writing (-b+-sqrt(b^2-4ac))/2a, and put respective roots into the equation, it yields something similar to the provided solution, but has an extra root term.

The solution is 4/3 + k.

The latter method gets 4/3 + k + sqrt(4+12k)/6.

Show your work in detail.

ehild
 
haha omg i got it
 
got it

i tried again this time giving each equation their names, suddenly spot the identity that i didn't see before. hahahaha
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3742.jpg
    IMG_3742.jpg
    34.6 KB · Views: 526

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
24
Views
4K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K