# Solve for a

1. Feb 6, 2009

### dE_logics

I got this equation -

x = ay - (a^2)z

Solve for a...and apart from the factorization method, is there any other way?...cause the constants x, y, z are very complex formulas.

Last edited: Feb 6, 2009
2. Feb 6, 2009

### Office_Shredder

Staff Emeritus
Are you trying to solve for a or x (the thread title says a, your post says x). If you're solving for x, you just did it... if you're solving for a, just use the quadratic formula. Maybe I'm missing something

3. Feb 6, 2009

### dE_logics

Extremely sorry about that...gotta solve for a

Actually x, y, z are very complex (as said) so the quadratic method...I think will not work.

4. Feb 7, 2009

### HallsofIvy

The quadratic formula will always "work". It will just be a very complex solution if x, y, and z are. But no other method is certain to work- and if it did would have to give the same, complex, solution.

5. Feb 7, 2009

### dE_logics

humm...ok then, can anyone pls solve it in the quadratic way?...cause we have completely distinct variables...x, y and z.

Then I'll replace the values after the solution.

6. Feb 7, 2009

### Office_Shredder

Staff Emeritus
You have za2 - ya + x = 0. So the quadratic formula is:

$$a = \frac{y +/- \sqrt{y^2-4xz}}{2z}$$

7. Feb 7, 2009

### dE_logics

Oh yes...I remember...the name of the formula I forgot though...it was somone's name right?...starting with s.

Anyway...thanks man!

Not done maths for a long time.