Solve the Quadratic Equation: 3x²+10x-8=0

Quadratic Equations with Standard Form

Solve the following equation:

3x2+10x8=0 3x^2+10x-8=0

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:06 First, we need to find X.
00:10 Next, let's identify the coefficients in our equation.
00:26 Now, we'll use the formula for finding roots.
00:47 Substitute the values given in the problem and solve step by step.
01:19 Calculate the squares and products carefully.
01:42 Next, find the square root of 156.
01:51 These are the two possible solutions by addition and subtraction.
02:10 And that's how we solve this problem!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following equation:

3x2+10x8=0 3x^2+10x-8=0

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the quadratic equation 3x2+10x8=0 3x^2+10x-8=0 , we use the quadratic formula:

x=b±b24ac2a x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} , where a=3 a = 3 , b=10 b = 10 , and c=8 c = -8 .

First, calculate the discriminant b24ac b^2 - 4ac :
b2=102=100 b^2 = 10^2 = 100
4ac=4×3×(8)=96 4ac = 4 \times 3 \times (-8) = -96
Thus, b24ac=100+96=196 b^2 - 4ac = 100 + 96 = 196 .

Since the discriminant (196) is positive, the equation has two distinct real solutions.

Now, substitute into the quadratic formula:
x=10±1962×3=10±146 x = \frac{-10 \pm \sqrt{196}}{2 \times 3} = \frac{-10 \pm 14}{6} .

This results in two solutions:

  • For the plus sign: x1=10+146=46=23 x_1 = \frac{-10 + 14}{6} = \frac{4}{6} = \frac{2}{3}
  • For the minus sign: x2=10146=246=4 x_2 = \frac{-10 - 14}{6} = \frac{-24}{6} = -4

Therefore, the solutions to the given quadratic equation are x1=23 x_1 = \frac{2}{3} and x2=4 x_2 = -4 .

Comparing these results with the multiple-choice options provided, the correct answer is choice 3: x1=23,x2=4 x_1 = \frac{2}{3}, x_2 = -4 .

3

Final Answer

x1=23,x2=4 x_1=\frac{2}{3},x_2=-4

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Formula: Use x=b±b24ac2a x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} for ax² + bx + c = 0
  • Discriminant: Calculate b² - 4ac first: 10² - 4(3)(-8) = 100 + 96 = 196
  • Verification: Check both solutions in original equation: 3(2/3)² + 10(2/3) - 8 = 0 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Incorrectly calculating the discriminant
    Don't forget the negative sign in 4ac when c is negative = wrong discriminant! When c = -8, you get 4(3)(-8) = -96, not +96. The discriminant becomes 100 - (-96) = 100 + 96 = 196. Always be extra careful with negative signs in the discriminant formula.

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 if I get a negative number under the square root?

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If the discriminant (b² - 4ac) is negative, the quadratic equation has no real solutions. This means the parabola doesn't cross the x-axis!

How do I know which solution is x₁ and which is x₂?

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It doesn't matter which you call x₁ or x₂! The order isn't important - both values are equally correct solutions to the equation.

Can I solve this by factoring instead?

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Yes! Try to factor 3x2+10x8 3x^2 + 10x - 8 into (3x2)(x+4)=0 (3x - 2)(x + 4) = 0 . This gives the same solutions: x = 2/3 and x = -4.

Why do some solutions come out as fractions?

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Fractions are perfectly normal solutions! Not all quadratic equations have nice integer answers. Always simplify fractions and double-check by substitution.

What does the discriminant tell me?

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  • Positive discriminant: Two different real solutions
  • Zero discriminant: One repeated solution
  • Negative discriminant: No real solutions

Do I always need to use the quadratic formula?

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Not always! Try factoring first - it's often faster. Use the quadratic formula when factoring is difficult or impossible.

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