Solve Quadratic Equation: 2x^2 - 3ax - 3bx + a^2 + b^2 + 2ab = 0

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the quadratic equation 2x^2 - 3(a+b)x + (a^2 + 2ab + b^2) = 0, derived from the original expression a/b-x + b/a-x = 2. Participants emphasize the importance of correctly identifying coefficients and the application of the quadratic formula, which is defined as x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a. Additionally, it is crucial to note that x cannot equal a or b due to the original equation's structure involving divisions by (a-x) and (b-x).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quadratic equations and their standard form.
  • Familiarity with the quadratic formula for solving equations.
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills.
  • Knowledge of function notation and operations involving fractions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the quadratic formula in detail, including its derivation and applications.
  • Practice solving quadratic equations with varying coefficients and terms.
  • Learn about the implications of restrictions on variable values in rational expressions.
  • Explore common mistakes in algebraic manipulation, particularly with fractions and polynomial expressions.
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Cycloned
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Need help solving some. I'll put up one for now.

a/b-x + b/a-x = 2

I'm just looking for how to solve it, because I always reach

2x^2 - 3ax - 3bx + a^2 + b^2 + 2ab = 0

and get stuck. Please show me your steps.

Thanks!
 
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2x^2 - 3ax - 3bx + a^2 + b^2 + 2ab = 0

That = 2x^2 -3(a+b)x + (a^2 + 2ab + b^2) = 0

Do you know the quadratic equation?
 
I know quadratic equations, but I'm getting stuck here, because I do not know how to solve for x.

I did establish the fact that 2x^2 -3(a+b)x + (a^2 + 2ab + b^2) = 0
is correct because it follows ax^2 + bx + c.

Could you please help me out?
 
Cycloned said:
Need help solving some. I'll put up one for now.

a/b-x + b/a-x = 2
What this means is probably different from what you intended. When you write fractions in a single line of text, use parentheses if the numerator or denominator have more than one term.

What you wrote would be interpreted as this:
\frac{a}{b - x} + \frac{b}{a - x} = 2
Cycloned said:
I'm just looking for how to solve it, because I always reach

2x^2 - 3ax - 3bx + a^2 + b^2 + 2ab = 0
I get something different - different coefficients for the two terms in x, and different signs for the a^2 and b^2 terms. Check your work.
Cycloned said:
and get stuck. Please show me your steps.

Thanks!
 
l'Hôpital said:
That = 2x^2 -3(a+b)x + (a^2 + 2ab + b^2) = 0

Do you know the quadratic equation?

2x^2 -3(a+b)x + (a^2 + 2ab + b^2) = 0 IS a quadratic equation. The question should be: Do you know the quadratic formula?

The quadratic formula gives solutions to the equation ax^2 + bx + c = 0. Since both the quadratic formula and the equation above use a and b, be careful in what you call a, b, and c in the quadratic formula.

As already noted, some of the coefficients in the OP's equation are incorrect.

Also, since the equation in the original post involved division by a - x and b - x, it should be stated explicitly that x can't be a, and x can't be b.
 

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