Intermediate Algebra for College Students (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-13417-894-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-13417-894-3

Chapter 8 - Section 8.2 - The Quadratic Formula - Exercise Set - Page 610: 95

Answer

$a(x-x_1)(x-x_2)=0$, where $a$ is any real number

Work Step by Step

Let's note that $\{x_1,x_2\}$ is the solution set of a quadratic equation. Because $x_1$ and $x_2$ are solutions of the equation, it means the equation has the factors $x-x_1$ and $x-x_2$. Therefore the general form of such an equation is: $$a(x-x_1)(x-x_2)=0, \text{ where }a\text{ any real number}.$$ Example Take $\{2,7\}$ as the set of solutions of a quadratic equation. So $x-2$ and $x-7$ are factors of the equation: $$a(x-2)(x-7)=0$$ Since $a$ is any real number, take for example $a=1$. The equation is: $$(x-2)(x-7)=0$$ $$x^2-9x+14=0.$$
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