How can I solve this problem about factorization in the IB math SL book?

  • Thread starter Thread starter richardz03
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Factorization
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a problem from the IB Math SL book involving a right-angled triangle with sides expressed in terms of x. The user initially derived the quadratic equation 10x^2 - 18x - 12 = 0 but received different results from the book's answers of x = 2/5 or 3. Forum members pointed out errors in the user's arithmetic and encouraged them to show their work for better guidance. The user realized their mistake in squaring the hypotenuse and acknowledged the need to correct their equation to 10x^2 - 34x + 12 = 0. The thread concluded with the user expressing gratitude and indicating they would continue working on the problem.
richardz03
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Originally posted in a technical math section
It is a problem found on IB math SL book:The two perpendicular sides of a right-angled triangle have lengths x+2 and 5x-3, the hypotenuse has length 4x+1, Find X.

In the answer section, it says X is either 2/5 or 3.

I tried a lot, -> i arrived to 10x^2 - 18x -12= 0
Later i used quadractic formula and imy result is totally different to the answers given by the book,. My process should be wrong. I would like to see someone do the complete process so i can notice my error. Please! Currently studying for IB exam
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
richardz03 said:
It is a problem found on IB math SL book:The two perpendicular sides of a right-angled triangle have lengths x+2 and 5x-3, the hypotenuse has length 4x+1, Find X.

In the answer section, it says X is either 2/5 or 3.
I get the same answers.
richardz03 said:
I tried a lot, -> i arrived to 10x^2 - 18x -12= 0
Check your arithmetic. Your 2nd and 3rd terms are wrong.
richardz03 said:
Later i used quadractic formula and imy result is totally different to the answers given by the book,. My process should be wrong. I would like to see someone do the complete process so i can notice my error. Please! Currently studying for IB exam
No, we aren't going to work the problem for you -- that is against forum rules. Show the work you did to get your equation, and we'll point out where you went wrong, and steer you in the right direction.
 
  • Like
Likes richardz03
richardz03 said:
It is a problem found on IB math SL book:The two perpendicular sides of a right-angled triangle have lengths x+2 and 5x-3, the hypotenuse has length 4x+1, Find X.

In the answer section, it says X is either 2/5 or 3.

I tried a lot, -> i arrived to 10x^2 - 18x -12= 0
Later i used quadratic formula and my result is totally different to the answers given by the book,. My process should be wrong. I would like to see someone do the complete process so i can notice my error. Please! Currently studying for IB exam
It looks like you made a mistake in getting that quadratic equation.

Try your answers and the book's answers in the given length formulas.
 
  • Like
Likes richardz03
Mark44 said:
I get the same answers.
Check your arithmetic. Your 2nd and 3rd terms are wrong.

No, we aren't going to work the problem for you -- that is against forum rules. Show the work you did to get your equation, and we'll point out where you went wrong, and steer you in the right direction.

Didnt know that! thanks. At least you showed me the error. I will try again then
 
Hmm looks like i got error in doing (4x+1)^2 and did wrong in operation. thanks everyone. No need to respond this thread anymore. It was 10x^2 -34x +12=0
 

Thread 'Family of lines that are at a distance of 5 from the origin'

I picked up this problem from the Schaum's series book titled "College Mathematics" by Ayres/Schmidt. It is a solved problem in the book. But what surprised me was that the solution to this problem was given in one line without any explanation. I could, therefore, not understand how the given one-line solution was reached. The one-line solution in the book says: The equation is ##x \cos{\omega} +y \sin{\omega} - 5 = 0##, ##\omega## being the parameter. From my side, the only thing I could...
View full post »

Similar threads

Question about an 8th grade math problem
Replies
20
Views
2K
Question about fractions
Replies
10
Views
2K
How Did 1886 Dutch Students Solve This Complex Math Problem?
Replies
34
Views
3K
How Do You Factor a Quartic Polynomial into Quadratics?
Replies
24
Views
5K
A Solve Asymmetric Piston Problem for SL
Replies
5
Views
1K
Help with an algebra factoring problem.
Replies
3
Views
2K
How do i factor cubic trinomials?
Replies
9
Views
35K
How can I solve this inequality problem involving factoring?
Replies
7
Views
2K
How to Factor 4x^4-x^2-18: Step-by-Step Solution and Tips
Replies
6
Views
4K
How to solve this math problem: Two simultaneous trig equations
Replies
8
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top