Find the Solutions of a Quadratic Equation Using the Quadratic Formula

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The discussion focuses on solving the quadratic equation $x^2 + 4x - 8 = 0$ using the quadratic formula. The correct solutions derived are $x = -2 + 2\sqrt{3} \approx 1.46$ and $x = -2 - 2\sqrt{3} \approx -5.46$. The quadratic formula used is $x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$, with parameters $a = 1$, $b = 4$, and $c = -8$. The participants clarify a typographical error regarding the second solution, confirming the correct expression.

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By completing the square or by any other method , find the solutions of the quadratic equation , to two decimal places $x^2+4x-8=0$.

Using the quadratic formula,(Smile)

$x=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$.

$x=\frac{-4\pm\sqrt{16+32}}{2}$.

$x=\frac{-4\pm\sqrt{48}}{2}$.

$x=\frac{-4\pm\sqrt{3}\sqrt{16}}{2}$.

$x=\frac{-4\pm 4\sqrt{3}}{2}$.

$x={-2\pm 2\sqrt{3}}$.

$x= 1.46$.

As the problem states there is another value for x which is -5.46, How to derive it using the quadratic formula ? (Happy)
 
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mathlearn said:
By completing the square or by any other method , find the solutions of the quadratic equation , to two decimal places $x^2+4x-8=0$.

Using the quadratic formula,(Smile)

$x=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$.

$x=\frac{-4\pm\sqrt{16+32}}{2}$.

$x=\frac{-4\pm\sqrt{48}}{2}$.

$x=\frac{-4\pm\sqrt{3}\sqrt{16}}{2}$.

$x=\frac{-4\pm 4\sqrt{3}}{2}$.

$x={-2\pm 2\sqrt{3}}$.

$x= 1.46$.

As the problem states there is another value for x which is -5.46, How to derive it using the quadratic formula ? (Happy)
$x={-2\pm 2\sqrt{3}}$.

$x= 1.46$.

You have another solution: [math]-2 - 2 \sqrt{3}[/math]

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
You have another solution: [math]-2 - 2 \sqrt{2}[/math]

-Dan

(Happy) Thank you top squark

(Nod) A typing mistake I guess, [math]-2 - 2 \sqrt{3}[/math] , I guess it should be . Correct ? (Thinking)
 
Last edited:
mathlearn said:
(Happy) Thank you top squark

(Nod) A typing mistake I guess, [math]-2 - 2 \sqrt{3}[/math] , I guess it should be . Correct ? (Thinking)
Yes. Thanks for the catch!

-Dan
 

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