Solve the Quadratic Equation: -2x² + 22x - 60 = 0

Quadratic Equations with Negative Leading Coefficient

Solve the following equation:

2x2+22x60=0 -2x^2+22x-60=0

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find X
00:03 Pay attention to the coefficients
00:13 Use the roots formula
00:23 Substitute appropriate values according to the data and solve for X
00:45 Calculate the products and the square
01:02 Calculate the square root of 4
01:10 Find the 2 possible solutions
01:19 This is one solution
01:29 This is the second solution and the answer to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following equation:

2x2+22x60=0 -2x^2+22x-60=0

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this quadratic equation, we will use the quadratic formula. Let's go through the process step-by-step:

  • Step 1: Identify the coefficients.

The coefficients are a=2 a = -2 , b=22 b = 22 , and c=60 c = -60 .

  • Step 2: Calculate the discriminant.

The discriminant D D is calculated using the formula b24ac b^2 - 4ac .
Here, D=2224(2)(60)=484480=4 D = 22^2 - 4(-2)(-60) = 484 - 480 = 4 .

  • Step 3: Apply the quadratic formula.

The quadratic formula is x=b±b24ac2a x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} .
Substituting the values, we get x=22±42(2) x = \frac{-22 \pm \sqrt{4}}{2(-2)} .

  • Step 4: Simplify and solve for x x .

The expression inside the square root is 4=2 \sqrt{4} = 2 .
Therefore, we have two potential solutions:
x1=22+24=204=5 x_1 = \frac{-22 + 2}{-4} = \frac{-20}{-4} = 5
x2=2224=244=6 x_2 = \frac{-22 - 2}{-4} = \frac{-24}{-4} = 6 .

The solutions to the equation 2x2+22x60=0 -2x^2 + 22x - 60 = 0 are x1=5 x_1 = 5 and x2=6 x_2 = 6 .

In conclusion, the solution to the problem is:

x1=5 x_1=5 x2=6 x_2=6

3

Final Answer

x1=5 x_1=5 x2=6 x_2=6

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Formula: Use quadratic formula when ax2+bx+c=0 ax^2 + bx + c = 0
  • Technique: Calculate discriminant first: 2224(2)(60)=4 22^2 - 4(-2)(-60) = 4
  • Check: Substitute solutions: 2(5)2+22(5)60=0 -2(5)^2 + 22(5) - 60 = 0

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Sign errors when calculating discriminant with negative coefficient
    Don't forget that b24ac b^2 - 4ac becomes 2224(2)(60)=484480 22^2 - 4(-2)(-60) = 484 - 480 , not 484+480 484 + 480 ! Missing the negative signs gives discriminant = 964 instead of 4. Always track signs carefully: 4(2)(60)=+480 4(-2)(-60) = +480 .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

a = coefficient of x²

b = coefficient of x

c = coefficient of the constant term


What is the value of \( c \) in the function \( y=-x^2+25x \)?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why is the leading coefficient negative in this problem?

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The negative coefficient a=2 a = -2 means the parabola opens downward. This doesn't change how we solve it - we still use the same quadratic formula!

How do I handle the negative signs in the quadratic formula?

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Be extra careful with signs! Since a=2 a = -2 , the denominator becomes 2a=2(2)=4 2a = 2(-2) = -4 . When you divide negative by negative, you get positive results.

What does the discriminant D = 4 tell me?

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Since D=4>0 D = 4 > 0 , there are two distinct real solutions. The square root 4=2 \sqrt{4} = 2 is a perfect square, making the calculation clean!

Can I factor this equation instead of using the formula?

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Yes! You could factor out -2 first: 2(x211x+30)=0 -2(x^2 - 11x + 30) = 0 , then factor x211x+30=(x5)(x6) x^2 - 11x + 30 = (x-5)(x-6) . Both methods give the same answers!

How do I verify my solutions are correct?

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Substitute each solution back into the original equation. For x=5 x = 5 : 2(25)+22(5)60=50+11060=0 -2(25) + 22(5) - 60 = -50 + 110 - 60 = 0

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