Complex Roots: Solving for the Number and Identification

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the number of complex roots for the quadratic equation 18x² + 3x - 1 = 0. Participants are exploring the nature of the roots and the methods for finding them.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to determine the roots and considers using the quadratic formula after finding factoring challenging. Some participants confirm the use of the quadratic formula, while others suggest a factoring approach that leads to a different interpretation of the roots.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing different methods for solving the problem. There is a mix of confirmation regarding the quadratic formula and an alternative factoring method presented, though there is no explicit consensus on the nature of the roots being complex.

Contextual Notes

Some participants question the terminology used in the thread title, indicating a potential misunderstanding about the nature of the roots in the original problem statement.

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Homework Statement


State the number of complex roots and then identify what the roots are.

Equation:
18x^2 + 3x -1 = 0


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


There are 2 complex roots.

Okay. So I can't factor anything out of the equation and when you try to factor it by hand it doesn't work. So what should I do? quadratic formula? Please help me.
 
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I would use the quadratic formula, yes.
 
Yes, quadratic formula.
 
thanks.
 
You can factor out the polynomial as
18x^2 + 6x - 3x - 1
= 6x(3x+1) - (3x+1)
= (6x-1) (3x+1)
 
I wish you would stop titling these "complex roots". So far none of the problems you have posted has had complex roots!
 
oh sorry. In my book that section says "complex roots" but next time I will try my best to label it appropriately.
 

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