How Do A and B as Roots Verify the Properties of a Quadratic Equation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around verifying properties of the roots A and B of a quadratic equation of the form ax² + bx + c = 0. Participants explore mathematical relationships involving the roots, including their sums and products, as well as alternative methods for verification.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the roots A and B can be expressed using the quadratic formula, leading to the identities A + B = -b/a and AB = c/a.
  • Others suggest an alternative approach by comparing the expanded form a(x - A)(x - B) with the standard quadratic form to derive the same relationships.
  • A participant raises a question about using the values of A and B to derive additional identities involving A² and B², as well as their reciprocals.
  • There are discussions regarding the readability of LaTeX on mobile devices, with some participants noting issues with inline LaTeX rendering.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best method to verify the properties of the roots, with no consensus reached on a singular approach. Additionally, there is no agreement on the implications of the LaTeX rendering issues for mobile users.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention limitations related to the visibility of LaTeX on mobile devices, which may affect the clarity of mathematical expressions. The discussion also reflects varying levels of access to technology among participants.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in understanding the properties of quadratic equations and the implications of their roots, as well as those facing challenges with mathematical notation on different devices.

mathdad
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Let A and B be the roots of the quadratic equation

ax^2 + bx + c = 0. Verify each statement below.

1. A + B = -b/a

2. AB = c/a

I need help getting started for parts 1 and 2. I will do the math.
 
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RTCNTC said:
Let A and B be the roots of the quadratic equation

ax^2 + bx + c = 0. Verify each statement below.

1. A + B = -b/a

2. AB = c/a

I need help getting started for parts 1 and 2. I will do the math.
You can do it by hand:
[math]A = \frac{-b + \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}[/math]

[math]B = \frac{-b - \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}[/math]

Add them together and you get A + B = -b/a. And you can do the multiplication for the second part. If you run into troubles, of course feel free to post us.

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
You can do it by hand:
[math]A = \frac{-b + \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}[/math]

[math]B = \frac{-b - \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}[/math]

Add them together and you get A + B = -b/a. And you can do the multiplication for the second part. If you run into troubles, of course feel free to post us.

-Dan

I get it. Thanks.
 
I think it is simpler just to compare a(x- A)(x- B) with ax^2+ bx+ c. Multiply the first and compare coefficients.
 
HallsofIvy said:
I think it is simpler just to compare a(x- A)(x- B) with ax^2+ bx+ c. Multiply the first and compare coefficients.

The word WITH is covering your LaTex.
 
RTCNTC said:
The word WITH is covering your LaTex.

For the record, on a mobile device the fonts are typically increased in size automatically.
However, the MathJax that we use to render our formulas doesn't know about this, meaning that inline latex isn't resized to match.
It's only on mobile devices that inline latex is a problem. On tablets or laptops this problem does not occur. Latex on separate lines does not have this problem either.
 
I like Serena said:
For the record, on a mobile device the fonts are typically increased in size automatically.
However, the MathJax that we use to render our formulas doesn't know about this, meaning that inline latex isn't resized to match.
It's only on mobile devices that inline latex is a problem. On tablets or laptops this problem does not occur. Latex on separate lines does not have this problem either.

I do not have a laptop or computer.
 
RTCNTC said:
I do not have a laptop or computer.

On my mobile device the problem is a bit less in landscape mode, meaning the inline latex formulas are at least usually more or less readable.
 
I like Serena said:
On my mobile device the problem is a bit less in landscape mode, meaning the inline latex formulas are at least usually more or less readable.

Good for you. Let's get back to math.
 
  • #10
RTCNTC said:
Good for you. Let's get back to math.

In all fairness, and I don't mean to be antagonistic at all, you brought up the issue again that inline LaTeX is a problem on your device. It would be unreasonable to expect the community at large to suddenly change our posting styles, developed over many years, to suit mobile devices, when most of us posting help are using PCs.

I like Serena was just trying to help by giving you a suggestion to minimize the issue. I have found him to know what he's talking about, whenever he talks. :D
 
  • #11
I like everyone here. Let's get back to math.
 
  • #12
topsquark said:
You can do it by hand:
[math]A = \frac{-b + \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}[/math]

[math]B = \frac{-b - \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}[/math]

Add them together and you get A + B = -b/a. And you can do the multiplication for the second part. If you run into troubles, of course feel free to post us.

-Dan

Question:

Can I use the values of A and B in your reply to this question to show as given below?

1. A^2 + B^2 = (b^2 - 2ac)/(a^2)

2. 1/A^2 + 1/B^2 = (b^2 - 2ac)/(c^2)
 

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