Find and approximate value square root of 3 using the roots of the graph.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around approximating the square root of 3 using the roots of the graph of the function \(y=3-(x-1)^2\). Participants explore various methods and reasoning related to this problem, including the use of the quadratic formula and graphical interpretations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest using the quadratic formula to find the roots of the equation \(y=3-(x-1)^2=0\) to approximate \(\sqrt{3}\).
  • Others argue that if \(x-1=\pm\sqrt{3}\), then the roots correspond to \(x\) values of approximately 2.7 and -0.8.
  • A participant expresses confusion over the interpretation of the roots and how they relate to \(\sqrt{3}\), leading to corrections about the signs and values involved.
  • There are multiple instances of participants correcting each other's calculations and interpretations, particularly regarding the signs and values derived from the roots.
  • Some participants express a desire to learn different methods for approximating square roots using graph roots, indicating a broader interest in the topic.
  • Disagreement arises over the correctness of certain approximations and the interpretation of the relationships between \(x\) and \(\sqrt{3}\).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach to approximating \(\sqrt{3}\) using the graph's roots, and there are competing views on the interpretation of the calculations presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the correctness of their calculations and the assumptions underlying their reasoning. There are unresolved issues regarding the interpretation of positive and negative values in relation to the square root.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in mathematical reasoning, particularly in the context of approximating values using graphical methods and exploring different approaches to problem-solving in mathematics.

mathlearn
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Using a graph of function $y=3-(x-1)^2$ which has got its negative & positive root s-0.8 and 2.7 respectively, Find an approximate value for $\sqrt{3}$.

Any suggestions on how to begin? Should I be using the quadratic formula here?

Many Thanks :)
 
Last edited:
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mathlearn said:
Using a graph of function $y=3-(x-1)^2$ which has got its negative & positive roots -0.8 and 2.7 respectively, Find an approximate value for $\sqrt{3}$.

Any suggestions on how to begin? Should I be using the quadratic formula here?

Many Thanks :)
This problem is much easier than you are making it.

If $y= 3- (x- 1)^2= 0$ then $(x- 1)^2= 3$ so $x- 1=\pm\sqrt{3}$. If x= -0.8, what is $\sqrt{3}$? If x= 2.7, what is $\sqrt{3}$?
 
HallsofIvy said:
This problem is much easier than you are making it.

If $y= 3- (x- 1)^2= 0$ then $(x- 1)^2= 3$ so $x- 1=\pm\sqrt{3}$. If x= -0.8, what is $\sqrt{3}$? If x= 2.7, what is $\sqrt{3}$?

If x=-0.8, I guess It should be -0.7

$x- 1=+2.7$
$x- 1+1=2.7+1$

$x- 1=+2.7$
$x=3.7$(Oops! Looks like something is wrong)(Doh) $x- 1=-0.7$
$x- 1+1=-0.7+1$

$x=0.3$(Oops! Looks like something is wrong Again !)(Doh)

I would like to know the different way's of approximating a square root using the roots of a graph. Like one I already know is using the quadratic formula
 
mathlearn said:
$x- 1=+2.7$
Where are you getting this from? You were told told that $x-1=\pm\sqrt{3}$ and not $x-1=2.7$. More precisely, $x-1=\sqrt{3}$ when $x\approx2.7$ and $x-1=-\sqrt{3}$ when $x\approx-0.8$.
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
Where are you getting this from? You were told told that $x-1=\pm\sqrt{3}$ and not $x-1=2.7$. More precisely, $x-1=\sqrt{3}$ when $x\approx2.7$ and $x-1=-\sqrt{3}$ when $x\approx-0.8$.

Oh! my apologies (Smile).

Then,

$x-1=\pm\sqrt{3}$
$2.7-1=\pm\sqrt{3}$
$1.7=\pm\sqrt{3}$

$0.7-1=\pm\sqrt{3}$
$-1.7=\pm\sqrt{3}$

Thanks (Smile), I would like to know the different ways of doing this kind of a problem 'to find the square root using the roots of a graph'. Like one way would be to use the quadratic formula.
 
mathlearn said:
$2.7-1=\pm\sqrt{3}$
This is incorrect because the left-hand side is positive.

mathlearn said:
I would like to know the different ways of doing this kind of a problem 'to find the square root using the roots of a graph'. Like one way would be to use the quadratic formula.
I don't know of another way to solve this particular problem.
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
This is incorrect because the left-hand side is positive.

(Smile) Why is that ?, +1.7 is an approximate value for the square root of 3. (Smile) Please comment.
 
mathlearn said:
Why is that ?
Evgeny.Makarov said:
because the left-hand side is positive.
which cannot be said about $\pm\sqrt{3}$.
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
which cannot be said about $\pm\sqrt{3}$.

Hopefully, I guess this is correct now (Happy)

$x-1=\pm\sqrt{3}$ , $$\therefore$$ $2.7-1=+\sqrt{3}$
$1.7=+\sqrt{3}$

$0.7-1=- \sqrt{3}$
$-1.7=- \sqrt{3}$
 
  • #10
Evgeny.Makarov said:
$0.7-1=- \sqrt{3}$
$-1.7=- \sqrt{3}$
Where did you get $0.7$ from? And $0.7-1\ne-1.7$.

Evgeny.Makarov said:
More precisely, $x-1=\sqrt{3}$ when $x\approx2.7$ and $x-1=-\sqrt{3}$ when $x\approx-0.8$.
 
  • #11
mathlearn said:
Hopefully, I guess this is correct now (Happy)

$x-1=\pm\sqrt{3}$ , $$\therefore$$ $2.7-1=+\sqrt{3}$
$1.7=+\sqrt{3}$
Better:- $x- 1= \sqrt{3}$ so $x= 1+ \sqrt{3}$ which is approximately 2.7

$0.7-1=- \sqrt{3}$
$-1.7=- \sqrt{3}$
Better: $x- 1= -\sqrt{3}$ so $x= 1- \sqrt{3}$ which is approximately -0.7.
 
  • #12
No, in the original problem $x$ is known and one is asked to estimate $\sqrt{3}$.
 
  • #13
Evgeny.Makarov said:
Where did you get $0.7$ from? And $0.7-1\ne-1.7$.

(Doh) Sorry , I have mistyped -0.7 as +0.7

HallsofIvy said:
Better:- $x- 1= \sqrt{3}$ so $x= 1+ \sqrt{3}$ which is approximately 2.7Better: $x- 1= -\sqrt{3}$ so $x= 1- \sqrt{3}$ which is approximately -0.7.

(Nod) Yes Isolating 'X' on the RHS would look neater and tidier.

Evgeny.Makarov said:
No, in the original problem $x$ is known and one is asked to estimate $\sqrt{3}$.

Yes (Nod)
Many Thanks (Happy)
 

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