Solving a Simple Quadratic Problem: 3x^2 - 12x + 11 with the Quadratic Formula

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the quadratic formula to the equation 3x² - 12x + 11. Participants are attempting to simplify their results and clarify their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to simplify their expression but encounters difficulties in the reduction process. Some participants provide insights into simplifying square roots and the application of the distributive property. Others question the use of grouping symbols in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the steps involved in simplifying the quadratic formula results. Some guidance has been offered regarding the simplification of square roots and the cancellation of terms, although no consensus has been reached on the final form of the solution.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be confusion regarding the correct application of grouping symbols and the simplification process, which may be affecting the clarity of the calculations presented.

BuBbLeS01
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Homework Statement


I am trying to use the quadratic formula for 3x^2 - 12x +11 and I am getting...
12 +/- (sqrt 12)/6 which is supposed to reduce to 6 +/- (sqrt 3)/3 and I can't figure it out...it's very sad!
 
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[tex]\sqrt{12} = \sqrt{4*3}= \sqrt{4}\sqrt{3} =2\sqrt{3}[/tex]
 
The 2/2 cancels, involving the distributive property.

You did not use grouping symbols correctly in your message, but see the steps:

((2*2*3) +/- (2*2*3)^(.5))/(2*3)
=((2*2*3) +/- (2)*(3^(0.5)))/(2*3)
= 2*(2*3 +/- (3^(0.5)))/(2*3)
Notice the factor of 2 in numerator and factor of 2 in denominator; you need to write these steps longhand so you can see clearly; no typesetting system here on my end...
... simplifies quite well to
=(2*3 +/- (3^(0.5)))/3
=(6 +/- (3^(0.5))/3

Also watch my work carefully in case I make any grouping symbol error. I just caught a few that I corrected, but again check carefully.
 
rock.freak667 said:
[tex]\sqrt{12} = \sqrt{4*3}= \sqrt{4}\sqrt{3} =2\sqrt{3}[/tex]
So you have (12 * 2 * sqrt 3) / 6 which simplifies to (6 * 1 * sqrt3) / 3 then to
(6 * sqrt 3) / 3
 

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