Show that X satisfies the equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation \(x^2 - 12x - 9 = 0\). Participants explore various approaches to begin solving this quadratic equation, including references to the Pythagorean theorem and algebraic manipulations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest starting with the Pythagorean theorem to relate the problem to geometric concepts.
  • One participant proposes an equation derived from the Pythagorean theorem: \(2x^2 + x^2 = (2x + 3)^2\).
  • Another participant expands the right side of the equation and provides a detailed breakdown of the expansion process.
  • There is a correction regarding the expansion of \((2x + 3)^2\), with a participant noting an earlier mistake in the right side's expansion.
  • Some participants confirm the steps leading to the equation \(x^2 - 12x - 9 = 0\) but express confusion about the relevance of solving the equation versus the original problem statement.
  • One participant calculates the roots of the quadratic equation using the quadratic formula, leading to a numerical solution.
  • Another participant points out that the original problem did not ask for a solution to the equation, highlighting a potential misunderstanding among participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the steps taken to manipulate the equation, but there is disagreement regarding the relevance of solving the equation as it pertains to the original problem posed by the OP.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the connection between the Pythagorean theorem and the quadratic equation, and there are unresolved questions about the appropriateness of the approaches taken.

mathlearn
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View attachment 5923

Solve that x satisfies the equation $x^2-12x-9$=$0$

Solve the above equation ($\sqrt{5}=2.24$)

Any Ideas on how to begin ? (Crying)
 

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mathlearn said:
Solve that x satisfies the equation $x^2-12x-9$=$0$

Solve the above equation ($\sqrt{5}=2.24$)

Any Ideas on how to begin ? (Crying)

Hey mathlearn! ;)

Let's start with the Pythagorean theorem.
In a right triangle, we have:
$$a^2+b^2=c^2$$

What would it look like if we replace $a,b,c$ by the respective formulas? (Wondering)
 
I like Serena said:
Hey mathlearn! ;)

Let's start with the Pythagorean theorem.
In a right triangle, we have:
$$a^2+b^2=c^2$$

What would it look like if we replace $a,b,c$ by the respective formulas? (Wondering)

OK ,Using the pythagorean theorem It would look like this (Happy)
$2x^2+x^2 = (2x+3)^2$
$4x^2+x^2 = (4x^2+9)$
 
mathlearn said:
OK ,Using the pythagorean theorem It would look like this (Happy)
$2x^2+x^2 = (2x+3)^2$
$4x^2+x^2 = (4x^2+9)$

Let's put a couple of parentheses into make sure we evaluate everything in the correct order:
$$(2x)^2+(x)^2 = (2x+3)^2$$

Now if we want to evaluate something like $(a+b)^2$, it works out like this:
$$(a+b)(a+b) = a(a+b) + b(a+b) = a^2 + ab + ba + b^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$$
Or for short:
$$(a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$$

That means:
$$(2x+3)^2 = (2x)^2 + 2(2x)(3) + (3)^2 = 4x^2 + 12x + 9$$
 
(Nod) True!

mathlearn said:
Solve that x satisfies the equation $x^2-12x-9$=$0$

Solve the above equation ($\sqrt{5}=2.24$)

Any Ideas on how to begin ? (Crying)
I like Serena said:
That means:
$$(2x+3)^2 = (2x)^2 + 2(2x)(3) + (3)^2 = 4x^2 + 12x + 9$$

$$(2x+3)^2 = 4x^2 + 12x + 9 $$

Now to satisfy $x^2-12x-9$=$0$. (Happy)
 
Have you forgotten what the original problem was?

Previously, using the Pythagorean theorem, you correctly said that
$x^2+ (2x)^2= (2x+ 3)^2$ but incorrectly expanded the right side.

Now, knowing that $(2x+ 3)^2= 4x^2+ 12x+ 9$, your equation becomes
$x^2+ 4x^2= 4x^2+ 12x+ 9$. Simplify that.
 
mathlearn said:
(Nod) True!

$$(2x+3)^2 = 4x^2 + 12x + 9 $$

Now to satisfy $x^2-12x-9$=$0$. (Happy)

We have:
\begin{align}(2x)^2 + (x)^2 = (2x+3)^2
&\quad\Rightarrow\quad 4x^2 + x^2 = 4x^2 + 12x + 9 \\
&\quad\Rightarrow\quad 4x^2 + x^2 - 4x^2 - 12x - 9 = 0 \\
&\quad\Rightarrow\quad x^2 - 12x - 9 = 0
\end{align}
 
(Nod) $ x^2 - 12x - 9 = 0 $

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

$x=\frac{12\pm\sqrt{180}}{2}$.

$x=\frac{12\pm6\sqrt{5}}{2}$.

$x=\frac{25.44}{2}$.

$x=12.72$., Correct ?(Thinking)
 
Yes, but that has nothing at all to do with the original problem! You were not asked to solve the equation.
 
  • #10
(Yes)(Wink)(Smile) Thank you very much both of you. I Like Serena & hallsofivy
 
  • #11
HallsofIvy said:
Yes, but that has nothing at all to do with the original problem! You were not asked to solve the equation.

Erm... the OP says:

mathlearn said:
Solve the above equation ($\sqrt{5}=2.24$)
 

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