Solve: Finding the Missing Coefficient in x²+3x-2=0 for One Solution

Discriminant Conditions with Single Solutions

Complete the equation so that it has only one solution and then solve.

x2+3x2=0 \square x^2+3x-2=0

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Complete the unknown so that there will be only one solution and find it
00:03 A is the unknown
00:09 We will use the root expression in the root formula
00:16 For there to be only one solution it must be equal to 0
00:19 Let's examine the coefficients
00:25 We'll substitute appropriate values and solve to find the unknown A
00:36 Let's isolate A
00:41 This is the unknown
00:50 We'll use the root formula to find the possible solutions
01:00 We know that the root equals 0
01:03 We'll substitute appropriate values and solve to find the solution
01:14 Division is also multiplication by the reciprocal
01:25 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Complete the equation so that it has only one solution and then solve.

x2+3x2=0 \square x^2+3x-2=0

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Set up the discriminant equation for the quadratic to have one solution.
  • Step 2: Solve for a a using the condition Δ=0 \Delta = 0 .
  • Step 3: Once a a is determined, solve for x x using the quadratic formula.

Step 1: To have only one solution, we use the discriminant condition:

Δ=b24ac=0 \Delta = b^2 - 4ac = 0

Substitute b=3 b = 3 and c=2 c = -2 :

324a(2)=0 3^2 - 4a(-2) = 0

Simplify the equation:

9+8a=0 9 + 8a = 0

Step 2: Solve for a a :

8a=9 8a = -9

a=98 a = -\frac{9}{8}

Step 3: Substitute a=98 a = -\frac{9}{8} in the quadratic equation and use the quadratic formula:

Our equation becomes 98x2+3x2=0-\frac{9}{8}x^2 + 3x - 2 = 0.

The quadratic formula is:

x=b±b24ac2a x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}

Using a=98 a = -\frac{9}{8} , b=3 b = 3 , and c=2 c = -2 :

x=3±324(98)(2)2(98) x = \frac{-3 \pm \sqrt{3^2 - 4(-\frac{9}{8})(-2)}}{2(-\frac{9}{8})}

Since the discriminant is 0, we have one solution:

x=33 x = \frac{-3}{-3}

Thus, the solution is:

x=43 x = \frac{4}{3} , and the required value of =a=98 \square = a = -\frac{9}{8} .

Therefore, the correct choice is: x=43 x = \frac{4}{3} , =98 \square = -\frac{9}{8} .

3

Final Answer

x=43 x=\frac{4}{3} , =98 \square=-\frac{9}{8}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: For one solution, discriminant must equal zero: b24ac=0 b^2 - 4ac = 0
  • Technique: Set 324a(2)=0 3^2 - 4a(-2) = 0 to find a=98 a = -\frac{9}{8}
  • Check: Verify by substituting x=43 x = \frac{4}{3} into 98x2+3x2=0 -\frac{9}{8}x^2 + 3x - 2 = 0

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Using discriminant formula incorrectly for one solution
    Don't set discriminant to any value other than zero = multiple or no solutions! Many students use b24ac>0 b^2 - 4ac > 0 which gives two solutions. Always set b24ac=0 b^2 - 4ac = 0 for exactly one solution.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

a = Coefficient of x²

b = Coefficient of x

c = Coefficient of the independent number


what is the value of \( a \) in the equation

\( y=3x-10+5x^2 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What does it mean for a quadratic to have only one solution?

+

A quadratic has one solution when the parabola touches the x-axis at exactly one point (the vertex). This happens when the discriminant equals zero, making the equation a perfect square trinomial.

Why do I need to use the discriminant formula?

+

The discriminant b24ac b^2 - 4ac tells you how many solutions exist. When it equals zero, you get exactly one solution. This is the key condition for finding the missing coefficient.

How do I solve for x once I find the coefficient?

+

Once you find a=98 a = -\frac{9}{8} , use the quadratic formula. Since the discriminant is zero, the ± disappears and you get: x=b2a=32(98)=43 x = \frac{-b}{2a} = \frac{-3}{2(-\frac{9}{8})} = \frac{4}{3}

Can I check my answer by factoring?

+

Yes! When a=98 a = -\frac{9}{8} , the equation becomes 98(x43)2=0 -\frac{9}{8}(x - \frac{4}{3})^2 = 0 . This shows clearly that x=43 x = \frac{4}{3} is the only solution.

What if I get a different coefficient value?

+

Double-check your arithmetic! Make sure you correctly substituted b=3 b = 3 and c=2 c = -2 into 9+8a=0 9 + 8a = 0 . The answer should always be a=98 a = -\frac{9}{8} .

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Solving Quadratic Equations questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations