Solve the Quadratic Equation: x² + 3x - 18 = 0

Quadratic Equations with Factoring Method

Solve the following equation:

x2+3x18=0 x^2+3x-18=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 Identify the coefficients
00:13 Use the roots formula
00:34 Substitute appropriate values according to the given data and solve
01:00 Calculate the square and products
01:15 Calculate the square root of 81
01:26 These are the 2 possible solutions (addition,subtraction)
01:44 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

Solve the following equation:

x2+3x18=0 x^2+3x-18=0

2

Step-by-step solution

This is a quadratic equation:

x2+3x18=0 x^2+3x-18=0

This is due to the fact that there is a quadratic term (meaning raised to the second power),

The first step in solving a quadratic equation is always arranging it in a form where all terms on one side are ordered from highest to lowest power (in descending order from left to right) and 0 on the other side,

Then we can choose whether to solve it using the quadratic formula or by factoring/completing the square.

The equation in the problem is already arranged, so let's proceed to solve it using the quadratic formula,

Remember:

The rule states that the roots of the equation of the form:

ax2+bx+c=0 ax^2+bx+c=0

are:

x1,2=b±b24ac2a x_{1,2}=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}

(meaning its solutions, the two possible values of the unknown for which we obtain a true statement when inserted into the equation)

This formula is called: "The Quadratic Formula"

Let's return to the problem:

x2+3x18=0 x^2+3x-18=0

And solve it:

First, let's identify the coefficients of the terms:

{a=1b=3c=18 \begin{cases}a=1\\b=3\\c=-18\end{cases}

where we noted that the coefficient of the quadratic term is 1,

And we'll obtain the solutions of the equation (its roots) by substituting the coefficients we just noted in the quadratic formula:

x1,2=b±b24ac2a=3±3241(18)21 x_{1,2}=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}=\frac{-3\pm\sqrt{3^2-4\cdot1\cdot(-18)}}{2\cdot1}

Let's continue and calculate the expression inside the square root and simplify the expression:

x1,2=3±812=3±92 x_{1,2}=\frac{-3\pm\sqrt{81}}{2}=\frac{-3\pm9}{2}

Therefore the solutions of the equation are:

{x1=3+92=3x2=392=6 \begin{cases}x_1=\frac{-3+9}{2}=3 \\ x_2=\frac{-3-9}{2}=-6\end{cases}

Therefore the correct answer is answer C.

3

Final Answer

x1=3,x2=6 x_1=3,x_2=-6

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Standard Form: Arrange equation as ax² + bx + c = 0 before solving
  • Quadratic Formula: x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac))/2a where a=1, b=3, c=-18
  • Check: Substitute x=3 and x=-6: (3)² + 3(3) - 18 = 0 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Sign errors in quadratic formula calculations
    Don't forget negative signs when c=-18 becomes -4(1)(-18) = +72! This changes the discriminant from 9-72=-63 (no real solutions) to 9+72=81. Always be extra careful with negative coefficients in the discriminant calculation.

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

Can I solve this by factoring instead of using the quadratic formula?

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Yes! This equation factors as (x3)(x+6)=0 (x-3)(x+6) = 0 , giving you x = 3 or x = -6. Factoring is often faster when it works easily, but the quadratic formula always works.

How do I know which method to use?

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Try factoring first if you can spot two numbers that multiply to give c and add to give b. If factoring seems difficult, use the quadratic formula - it's guaranteed to work!

Why are there two answers to a quadratic equation?

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A quadratic equation represents a parabola that can cross the x-axis at two points. Each crossing point gives you a solution to the equation.

What if I get a negative number under the square root?

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If the discriminant (b² - 4ac) is negative, the equation has no real solutions. The parabola doesn't cross the x-axis. In this problem, we got 81, which is positive, so we have two real solutions.

Do I always need to write both solutions?

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Yes! Quadratic equations typically have two solutions, and math problems expect you to find both. Always write them as x₁ = ___ and x₂ = ___.

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