Finding for k in quadratic equation.

AI Thread Summary
To find the least integral value of k for the quadratic polynomial (k-2)x² + 8x + (k+4) > 0, the discriminant D must be greater than zero for the polynomial to be positive for all real x. The discriminant is calculated as D = 64 - 4(k-2)(k+4), leading to the inequality 64 - 4(k-2)(k+4) > 0. After simplifying, the correct inequality is (k-4)(k+6) < 0, which helps identify the range of k values. The discussion reveals confusion about the conditions for D, but ultimately, the correct approach leads to finding the least integral k value. The solution emphasizes the importance of correctly interpreting the discriminant's implications for the quadratic's behavior.
Sumedh
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Homework Statement




Find the least integral value of k for which the quadratic polynomial
(k-2)x2 + 8x + k+4 > 0 where x is real.



The Attempt at a Solution



i am trying to solve the discriminant by equating it to>0
D>0
but i don't think it is correct.
Please provide hints for this solutions.
 
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Show us what you have done.
 
D=b2-4ac
=64-4(k-2)(k+4)

as x is real
D>0

.'. 64-4(k-2)(k+4)>0

on solving
i got
(k-4)(k+6)<0

after that what should I do

should i find the values of k from this inequality?
 
Sumedh said:
Find the least integral value of k for which the quadratic polynomial
(k-2)x2 + 8x + k+4 > 0 where x is real.

The Attempt at a Solution



i am trying to solve the discriminant by equating it to>0
D>0
but i don't think it is correct.
No, it's not... at least the way I'm interpreting the question.

You are looking for the smallest integer k such that, if you plug in ANY REAL NUMBER for x, the quadratic becomes positive. That means that the graph of the parabola would be entirely above the x-axis. What does that say about the discriminant?
 
Sumedh said:
D=b2-4ac
=64-4(k-2)(k+4)

as x is real
D>0

.'. 64-4(k-2)(k+4)>0

on solving
i got
(k-4)(k+6)<0

after that what should I do

should i find the values of k from this inequality?

You might want to check your algebra on trying to solve for k in the inequality. What happened to the constant 64?
 
SteamKing said:
You might want to check your algebra on trying to solve for k in the inequality. What happened to the constant 64?
The algebra is actually correct. The OP multiplied the binomials, combined like terms, and then divided both sides by -4. The inequality symbol used in the beginning is wrong, however.
 
the smallest value of the function:f(x)=ax^2+bx+c=0

heref(x)=(k-2)x^2+8x+k+4&gt;0
is

\frac {-D}{4a}

to get this value positive D should be negative-------------(I)
and solving according this we get
64-4(k-2)(k+4) < 0
as this may result in correct answer

but as x is real .'. D should be positive or zero--------------(II)
(I)\neq(II)

I am confused with (I) (II)
?
 
Last edited:
eumyang said:
The inequality symbol used in the beginning is wrong, however.

i got the answer
by using this

\frac{-D}{4a}

before i was running on the wrong concept:confused:

now i got the answer
thank you very much for your valuable suggestion and valuable time for me

thank you once again:smile::smile:
 

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