Finding for k in quadratic equation.

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the least integral value of k for which the quadratic polynomial (k-2)x² + 8x + (k+4) is greater than zero for all real x. Participants are exploring the implications of the discriminant and its relationship to the positivity of the quadratic function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the discriminant to determine conditions for the quadratic to be positive. There are attempts to solve the inequality derived from the discriminant, and questions arise about the correctness of algebraic manipulations and the interpretation of the inequality.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints and guidance regarding the algebra involved in solving the inequality, while others express confusion about the implications of the discriminant and the conditions for the quadratic to remain positive. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted conflict between the conditions for the discriminant being negative and the requirement for the quadratic to be positive for all real x. This has led to confusion among participants regarding the correct approach to the problem.

Sumedh
Messages
61
Reaction score
0

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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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:[tex]f(x)=ax^2+bx+c=0[/tex]

here[tex]f(x)=(k-2)x^2+8x+k+4>0[/tex]
is

[tex]\frac {-D}{4a}[/tex]

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)
[tex](I)\neq(II)[/tex]

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

[tex]\frac{-D}{4a}[/tex]

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:
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K