Quadratic Equations and Functions: Math at Work

CHAPTER
Quadratic Equations
and Functions 10
OUTLINE
Study Strategies: Developing Financial
Literacy
10.1 The Square Root Property and
Completing the Square
10.2 The Quadratic Formula
Putting It All Together
10.3 Equations in Quadratic Form
10.4 Formulas and Applications
10.5 Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs
10.6 Applications of Quadratic Functions
and Graphing Other Parabolas
10.7 Quadratic and Rational Inequalities
Group Activity
emPOWERme: Determine Your Saving Style
Math at Work:
Economist
Anyone who has tried to keep track of their personal finances—managing checking accounts, credit cards, car loans,
rent, utilities, and often more—knows how complicated money matters can be even for just one person. Jeremy
Norton’s career accomplishments, then, seem even more impressive. As an economist writing for newspapers,
magazines, and blogs, Jeremy needs to understand how financial forces across the country, and even around the world,
interact and affect each other.
“Economics connects what happens at the local grocery store to what is happening at oil fields on the other side
of the globe,” Jeremy explains. “Without mathematical models and sophisticated equations tracking economic forces,
we wouldn’t be able to understand or predict how prices are going to rise and fall, whether companies will start to
hire, and so on.”
Jeremy says that while some elements of his job are very complicated, the fundamentals of economics are the
same ones individuals use to manage their personal bottom lines. “The truth is,” Jeremy says, “that the most valuable
economic lessons I learned were the ones I picked up outside the classroom, working to keep my expenses under
control so I could pay my tuition.”
We will introduce quadratic equations and functions in this chapter and also introduce strategies you can use to
keep your personal finances in order.
607
Developing Financial
Study Strategies Literacy
Would you start a road trip without looking at a map? Would you start cooking dinner
by putting ingredients in a bowl without any idea what you were trying to make? The
point is that for any project to succeed, you need a plan. When it comes to your personal
finances, that plan is a budget. A budget will help you keep your spending under control
and remain on track to meet your larger financial goals. Use the strategies below to create
an effective budget.
• Write down your financial goals. These might include paying off a car loan, saving
money for a big purchase, or avoiding falling into credit card debt.
• Figure out how you spend your money. For a week, write down or use a phone
app to keep track of every purchase you make, large and small. This will help you
understand where your money goes on a daily basis.
• Make a list of everything you know you will need to spend money on in the
coming year. This list should include things like tuition, insurance payments,
your rent or mortgage, and so forth.
• Make a list of all your income for the coming year, such as the salary you earn at
your job and any financial aid you might receive.
• Create your budget by adding up all your sources of income and everything you
spend money on, including small, daily purchases and your larger expenses.
• If your spending is greater than your income, find ways to reduce your costs. The
emPOWERme on page 691 can help you save money.
• You could also look for ways to increase your income, such as by finding a part-
time job, assuming your schedule allows.
• Review your finances every month, and adjust your budget to ensure that it is
accurate. For example, if your rent goes up, you want to be sure your budget
accounts for that.
• Revisit your financial goals. Are you getting closer to

achieving them? If not, how can you change your budget
to improve this situation?
• Be on the lookout for issues that might create budget
chaos, such as credit cards with interest rates
that spike after a certain amount of time.
608 CHAPTER 10 Quadratic Equations and Functions www.mhhe.com/messersmith

Chapter 10 Plan
What are your goals for Chapter 10? How can you accomplish each goal?
1 Be prepared before and during class. •

•
•
•
2 Understand the homework to the point •

where you could do it without needing •
any help or hints. •
3 Use the P.O.W.E.R. framework to help •

you analyze how you save money: •
Determine Your Saving Style. •
4 Write your own goal.

•
What are your objectives for Chapter 10? How can you accomplish each objective?
1 Be able to solve quadratic equations of • Learn the different methods for Solving Quadratic Equations.
• Know when to use factoring, the square root property, completing the
different forms using several different square, and the quadratic formula.
methods. Be able to choose the most
efficient method.
2 Be able to use the quadratic formula to • Learn the different types of solutions you can get for a quadratic
equation by calculating the value of the discriminant.
solve an applied problem, and use the • Review the procedure for Solving Applied Problems.
discriminant to determine the type and
number of solutions.
3 Be able to solve equations that are in • Review the procedures for Eliminating Fractions in Equations.
• Review factoring methods.
quadratic form, including equations • Learn how to use substitution to solve quadratic equations.
with radicals.
4 Be able to solve several different • Learn the procedure for Solving Applied Problems.
• Always draw a diagram or chart, when appropriate.
types of applied problems using any • Learn the formula for problems involving volume and area.
method in this chapter.
5 Be able to graph parabolas given • Learn how to graph quadratic functions and understand how the
graph shifts based on the information given in the equation.
different forms of an equation. Be • Be able to identify the vertex of a parabola from its equation.
able to identify several things about • Recognize which equations represent parabolas that open vertically
the graph, including the vertex and and which represent parabolas that open horizontally.
max/min values if it is a quadratic
function.
www.mhhe.com/messersmith CHAPTER 10 Quadratic Equations and Functions 609

6 Be able to solve quadratic inequalities • Learn the procedure for Graphing a Quadratic Inequality.
• Know how to pick test points to determine the solution to an
by graphing or using test points. Also, inequality.
be able to solve inequalities of higher • Review interval notation.
degree.
7 Write your own goal.

•
Read Sections 10.1 to 10.7,

and complete the exercises.
Complete the Chapter • How are saving money and math related?
Review and Chapter Test. • Does budgeting money require good math
How did you do? skills?
• Can you make a list of all the methods used to factor a quadratic
equation? Do you know when each method can be used?
• Which type of quadratic equation is hardest for you to graph?
• Which type of applied problems use the vertex to find the answer?
10.1 The Square Root Property and

What are your objectives for Section 10.1? How can you accomplish each objective?
1 Solve an Equation of the Form x 2 ⫽ k • Write the definition of a quadratic equation in your
own words.
• Understand the square root property.
• Complete the given example on your own.
• Complete You Try 1.
2 Solve an Equation of the Form (ax ⫹ b)2 ⫽ k • Be able to recognize a binomial that is being
squared.
• Understand the square root property.
• Review the procedure for solving equations.
• Complete the given examples on your own.
• Complete You Trys 2 and 3.

3 Use the Distance Formula • Understand the definition of the distance formula.
• Review the Pythagorean theorem.
4 Complete the Square for an Expression of the • Learn the procedure for Completing the Square for
x2 ⴙ bx.
Form x 2 ⫹ bx
• Review factoring of perfect square trinomials.
5 Solve a Quadratic Equation by Completing • Learn the procedure for Solving a Quadratic
Equation by Completing the Square.
the Square
• Review the square root property.
Read the explanations, follow the examples, take notes, and complete the You Trys.
We defined a quadratic equation in Chapter 7. Let’s restate the definition:
Definition
A quadratic equation can be written in the form ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0, where a, b,
and c are real numbers and a ⫽ 0.
In Section 7.4 we learned how to solve quadratic equations by factoring. For example,
we can use the zero product rule to solve x2 ⫺ 3x ⫺ 40 ⫽ 0.
Look at Section 7.4 if you
need a detailed review x2 ⫺ 3x ⫺ 40 ⫽ 0
of solving quadratic (x ⫺ 8)(x ⫹ 5) ⫽ 0 Factor.
equations by factoring.
b R
x ⫺ 8 ⫽ 0 or x ⫹ 5 ⫽ 0 Set each factor equal to zero.
x ⫽ 8 or x ⫽ ⫺5 Solve.
The solution set is {⫺5, 8}.

It is not easy to solve all quadratic equations by factoring, however. Therefore, we
need to learn other methods. In this chapter, we will discuss three more methods for
solving quadratic equations. Let’s begin with the square root property.
1 Solve an Equation of the Form x 2 ⫽ k

Look at the equation x2 ⫽ 9. We can solve this equation by factoring, like this:
x2 ⫽ 9
2
x ⫺9⫽0 Get all terms on the same side.
(x ⫹ 3)(x ⫺ 3) ⫽ 0 Factor.
b R
x⫹3⫽0 or x ⫺ 3 ⫽ 0 Set each factor equal to zero.
x ⫽ ⫺3 or x⫽3 Solve.
www.mhhe.com/messersmith SECTION 10.1 The Square Root Property and Completing the Square 611
Or, we can solve an equation like x2 ⫽ 9 using the square root property as we will see
in Example 1a).
Definition The Square Root Property

Let k be a constant. If x 2 ⫽ k, then x ⫽ 1k or x ⫽ ⫺1k.
(The solution is often written as x ⫽ ⫾1k, read as “x equals plus or minus the
square root of k.”)
Note
We can use the square root property to solve an equation containing a
squared quantity and a constant. To do so we will get the squared quantity
containing the variable on one side of the equal sign and the constant on
the other side.
EXAMPLE 1 Solve using the square root property.

a) x2 ⫽ 9 b) t2 ⫺ 20 ⫽ 0 c) 2a2 ⫹ 21 ⫽ 3
Solution
a) x2 ⫽ 9
x ⫽ 19 or x ⫽ ⫺19
b R
Square root property
x⫽3 or x ⫽ ⫺3
The solution set is {⫺3, 3}. The check is left to the student.
An equivalent way to solve x2 ⫽ 9 is to write it as
x ⫽ ⫾ 19
x2 ⫽ 9
x ⫽ ⫾3
The solution set is {⫺3, 3}. We will use this approach when solving equations
using the square root property.
b) To solve t 2 ⫺ 20 ⫽ 0, begin by getting t2 on a side by itself.

Be sure you are writing t2 ⫺ 20 ⫽ 0

t ⫽ ⫾ 120
out each step as you are t2 ⫽ 20
Add 20 to each side.
t ⫽ ⫾ 14 ⴢ 15
reading the example. Square root property
14 ⫽ 2
Product rule for radicals
t ⫽ ⫾215
Check:
t ⫽ 215: t 2 ⫺ 20 ⫽ 0 t ⫽ ⫺215: t 2 ⫺ 20 ⫽ 0
? ?
(215)2 ⫺ 20 ⫽ 0 (⫺215)2 ⫺ 20 ⫽ 0
? ?
(4 ⴢ 5) ⫺ 20 ⫽ 0 (4 ⴢ 5) ⫺ 20 ⫽ 0
20 ⫺ 20 ⫽ 0 ✓ 20 ⫺ 20 ⫽ 0 ✓
The solution set is 5⫺215, 2156.

c) 2a2 ⫹ 21 ⫽ 3
2a2 ⫽ ⫺18 Subtract 21.
a2 ⫽ ⫺9 Divide by 2.
a ⫽ ⫾1⫺9 Square root property
a ⫽ ⫾3i
Check:
a ⫽ 3i: 2a2 ⫹ 21 ⫽ 3 a ⫽ ⫺3i: 2a2 ⫹ 21 ⫽ 3
2(3i)2 ⫹ 21 ⱨ 3 2(⫺3i)2 ⫹ 21 ⱨ 3
2(9i2) ⫹ 21 ⱨ 3 2(9i2) ⫹ 21 ⱨ 3
Remember: i 2 ⫽ ⫺1.
2(9)(⫺1) ⫹ 21 ⱨ 3 2(9)(⫺1) ⫹ 21 ⱨ 3
⫺18 ⫹ 21 ⫽ 3 ✓ ⫺18 ⫹ 21 ⫽ 3 ✓
The solution set is {⫺3i, 3i}.
[YOU TRY 1] Solve using the square root property.

a) p2 ⫽ 100 b) w2 ⫺ 32 ⫽ 0 c) 3m2 ⫹ 19 ⫽ 7
Can we solve (w ⫺ 4)2 ⫽ 25 using the square root property? Yes. The equation has a
squared quantity and a constant.
2 Solve an Equation of the Form (ax ⫹ b)2 ⫽ k
EXAMPLE 2 Solve x2 ⫽ 25 and (w ⫺ 4)2 ⫽ 25 using the square root property.
Solution
While the equation (w ⫺ 4)2 ⫽ 25 has a binomial that is being squared, the two
equations are actually in the same form.
x2 ⫽ 25 (w ⫺ 4)2 ⫽ 25
c c c c
x squared ⫽ constant (w ⫺ 4) squared ⫽ constant
The squared quantity
2
must be isolated before Solve x ⫽ 25:
taking the square root of
each side. x2 ⫽ 25
x ⫽ ⫾125 Square root property
x ⫽ ⫾5
We solve (w ⫺ 4)2 ⫽ 25 in the same way with some additional steps.
(w ⫺ 4)2 ⫽ 25
w ⫺ 4 ⫽ ⫾125 Square root property
w ⫺ 4 ⫽ ⫾5
This means w ⫺ 4 ⫽ 5 or w ⫺ 4 ⫽ ⫺5. Solve both equations.

w ⫺ 4 ⫽ 5 or w ⫺ 4 ⫽ ⫺5
w ⫽ 9 or w ⫽ ⫺1 Add 4 to each side.
Check:

w ⫽ 9: (w ⫺ 4)2 ⫽ 25
?

w ⫽ ⫺1: (w ⫺ 4)2 ⫽ 25
?
(9 ⫺ 4)2 ⫽ 25 (⫺1 ⫺ 4)2 ⫽ 25
52 ⫽ 25 ✓ (⫺5)2 ⫽ 25 ✓
[YOU TRY 2] Solve (c ⫹ 6)2 ⫽ 81 using the square root property.
EXAMPLE 3 Solve.
a) (3t ⫹ 4)2 ⫽ 9 b) (2m ⫺ 5)2 ⫽ 12 c) (z ⫹ 8)2 ⫹ 11 ⫽ 7
d) (6k ⫺ 5)2 ⫹ 20 ⫽ 0
Solution
a) (3t ⫹ 4)2 ⫽ 9
3t ⫹ 4 ⫽ ⫾19 Square root property
3t ⫹ 4 ⫽ ⫾3
This means 3t ⫹ 4 ⫽ 3 or 3t ⫹ 4 ⫽ ⫺3. Solve both equations.
3t ⫹ 4 ⫽ 3 or 3t ⫹ 4 ⫽ ⫺3
3t ⫽ ⫺1 3t ⫽ ⫺7 Subtract 4 from each side.
t⫽⫺
1
3
or t ⫽ ⫺73 Divide by 3.
The solution set is e ⫺ , ⫺ f .

7 1
3 3
b) (2m ⫺ 5)2 ⫽ 12
2m ⫺ 5 ⫽ ⫾112
Simplify 112.
Do you need to review
2m ⫺ 5 ⫽ ⫾213
how to simplify square
roots? 2m ⫽ 5 ⫾ 213 Add 5 to each side.
5 ⫾ 213
m⫽ Divide by 2.
2
5 ⫹ 213 5 ⫺ 213
One solution is , and the other is .
2 2
The solution set, e f , can also be written as e f.

5 ⫺ 213 5 ⫹ 213 5 ⫾ 213
,
2 2 2
c) (z ⫹ 8)2 ⫹ 11 ⫽ 7
(z ⫹ 8)2 ⫽ ⫺4 Subtract 11 from each side.
z ⫹ 8 ⫽ ⫾1⫺4
Simplify 1⫺4.
z ⫹ 8 ⫽ ⫾2i
z ⫽ ⫺8 ⫾ 2i Subtract 8 from each side.
The check is left to the student. The solution set is {⫺8 ⫺ 2i, ⫺8 ⫹ 2i}.

d) (6k ⫺ 5)2 ⫹ 20 ⫽ 0
(6k ⫺ 5)2 ⫽ ⫺20 Subtract 20 from each side.
6k ⫺ 5 ⫽ ⫾1⫺20
Simplify 1⫺20.
6k ⫺ 5 ⫽ ⫾2i15
6k ⫽ 5 ⫾ 2i15 Add 5 to each side.
5 ⫾ 2i15
k⫽ Divide by 6.
6
The check is left to the student. The solution set is e f.

5 ⫺ 2i15 5 ⫹ 2i15
,
6 6
[YOU TRY 3] Solve.

a) (7q ⫹ 1)2 ⫽ 36 b) (5a ⫺ 3)2 ⫽ 24
c) (c ⫺ 7)2 ⫹ 100 ⫽ 0 d) (2y ⫹ 3)2 ⫺ 5 = ⫺23
Did you notice in Examples 1c), 3c), and 3d) that a complex number and its conjugate
were the solutions to the equations? This will always be true provided that the variables
in the equation have real number coefficients.
Note
If a ⫹ bi is a solution of a quadratic equation having only real coefficients,
then a ⫺ bi is also a solution.
3 Use the Distance Formula

In mathematics, we sometimes need to find the distance between two points in a plane.
The distance formula enables us to do that. We can use the Pythagorean theorem and the
square root property to develop the distance formula. y
Suppose we want to find the distance between any
two points with coordinates (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) as
pictured here. [We also include the point (x2, y1) in
(x2, y2)
our drawing so that we get a right triangle.]
The lengths of the legs are a and b. The length of
the hypotenuse is c. Our goal is to find the distance c b
between (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), which is the same as
finding the length of c. (x1, y1)
a
(x2, y1)
x
How long is side a? |x2 ⫺ x1|
How long is side b? |y2 ⫺ y1|
The Pythagorean theorem states that a2 ⫹ b2 ⫽ c2. Substitute 冟 x2 ⫺ x1冟 for a and 冟 y2 ⫺ y1冟
for b, then solve for c.
a2 ⫹ b2 ⫽ c2 Pythagorean theorem
⫾ 2(x2 ⫺ x1)2 ⫹ ( y2 ⫺ y1)2 ⫽ c

冟x2 ⫺ x1冟 ⫹ 冟 y2 ⫺ y1冟2 ⫽ c2
2
Substitute values.
Solve for c using the square root property.
Distances will always be a The distance between the points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is c ⫽ 2(x2 ⫺ x1)2 ⫹ (y2 ⫺ y1)2. We

positive number or zero. want only the positive square root since c is a length.
Because this formula represents the distance between two points, we usually use the
letter d instead of c.
Learn this formula! It is

Definition The Distance Formula
very important. The distance, d, between two points with coordinates (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is given by
d ⫽ 2(x2 ⫺ x1)2 ⫹ (y2 ⫺ y1)2.
EXAMPLE 4 Find the distance between the points (⫺4, 1) and (2, 5).
Solution
x1, y1 x2, y2
Begin by labeling the points: (⫺4, 1), (2, 5).
Substitute the values into the distance formula.
d ⫽ 2(x2 ⫺ x1)2 ⫹ ( y2 ⫺ y1)2
⫽ 2[2 ⫺ (⫺4)]2 ⫹ (5 ⫺ 1)2
⫽ 2(2 ⫹ 4)2 ⫹ (4)2
Substitute values.
⫽ 2(6)2 ⫹ (4)2 ⫽ 136 ⫹ 16 ⫽ 152 ⫽ 2113
[YOU TRY 4] Find the distance between the points (1, 2) and (7, ⫺3).
The next method we will learn for solving a quadratic equation is completing the
square. We need to review an idea first presented in Section 7.3.
A perfect square trinomial is a trinomial whose factored form is the square of a
binomial. Some examples of perfect square trinomials are
Perfect Square Trinomials Factored Form

2
x ⫹ 10x ⫹ 25 (x ⫹ 5)2
2
d ⫺ 8d ⫹ 16 (d ⫺ 4)2
In the trinomial x2 ⫹ 10x ⫹ 25, x2 is called the quadratic term, 10x is called the linear
term, and 25 is called the constant.
4 Complete the Square for an Expression of the

Form x 2 ⫹ bx
In a perfect square trinomial where the coefficient of the quadratic term is 1, the
constant term is related to the coefficient of the linear term in the following way: If you
find half of the linear coefficient and square the result, you will get the constant term.
x2 ⫹ 10x ⫹ 25: The constant, 25, is obtained by
1) finding half of the coefficient of x; then 2) squaring the result.
1
(10) ⫽ 5 52 ⫽ 25 (the constant)
2

d 2 ⫺ 8d ⫹ 16: The constant, 16, is obtained by
1) finding half of the coefficient of d; then 2) squaring the result.
1
(⫺8) ⫽ ⫺4 (⫺4)2 ⫽ 16 (the constant)
2
We can generalize this procedure so that we can find the constant needed to obtain the
perfect square trinomial for any quadratic expression of the form x2 ⫹ bx. Finding this
perfect square trinomial is called completing the square because the trinomial will
factor to the square of a binomial.
Procedure Completing the Square for x 2 ⫹ bx

To find the constant needed to complete the square for x2 ⫹ bx:
1
Step 1: Find half of the coefficient of x: b.
2
1 2
Step 2: Square the result: a bb .
2
1 2
Step 3: Then add it to x2 ⫹ bx to get x2 ⫹ bx ⫹ a bb . The factored form is

2
1 2
ax ⫹ bb .
2
The coefficient of the squared term must be 1 before you complete the
sq
square!
EXAMPLE 5 Complete the square for each expression to obtain a perfect square trinomial. Then, factor.
a) y2 ⫹ 6y b) t2 ⫺ 14t
Solution
a) Find the constant needed to b) Find the constant needed to
complete the square for y2 ⫹ 6y. complete the square for t2 ⫺ 14t.
Step 1: Find half of the coefficient Step 1: Find half of the coefficient
of y: of t:
1 1
(6) ⫽ 3 (⫺14) ⫽ ⫺7
2 2
Step 2: Square the result: Step 2: Square the result:
2
3 ⫽9 (⫺7)2 ⫽ 49
Step 3: Add 9 to y2 ⫹ 6y: Step 3: Add 49 to t 2 ⫺ 14t:
y2 ⫹ 6y ⫹ 9 t 2 ⫺ 14t ⫹ 49

The perfect square trinomial is The perfect square trinomial is

y2 ⫹ 6y ⫹ 9. The factored form is t 2 ⫺ 14t ⫹ 49. The factored form is
(y ⫹ 3)2. (t ⫺ 7)2.
[YOU TRY 5] Complete the square for each expression to obtain a perfect square trinomial. Then,
factor.
a) w 2 ⫹ 2w b) z 2 ⫺ 16z
We’ve seen the following perfect square trinomials and their factored forms. Let’s look
at the relationship between the constant in the factored form and the coefficient of the
linear term.
Perfect Square Trinomial Factored Form

x2 ⫹ 10x ⫹ 25 1 (x ⫹ 5)2
c 5 is (10). c
2
2
Be sure you understand d ⫺ 8d ⫹ 16 1 (d ⫺ 4)2
c ⫺4 is (⫺8). c
these relationships before 2
reading Example 6. 2
y ⫹ 6y ⫹ 9 1 (d ⫹ 3)2
c 3 is (6). c
2
2
t ⫺ 14t ⫹ 49 1 (t ⫺ 7)2
c ⫺7 is (⫺14). c
2
This pattern will always hold true and can be helpful in factoring some perfect square
trinomials.
EXAMPLE 6 Complete the square for n2 ⫹ 5n to obtain a perfect square trinomial. Then, factor.
Solution
Find the constant needed to complete the square for n2 ⫹ 5n.
1 5
Step 1: Find half of the coefficient of n: (5) ⫽
2 2
5 2 25
Step 2: Square the result: a b ⫽
2 4
25 25
Step 3: Add to n2 ⫹ 5n. The perfect square trinomial is n2 ⫹ 5n ⫹ .
4 4
5 2
The factored form is an ⫹ b .
2
c
5 1
is (5), the coefficient of n.
2 2
5 2 5 2
Check: an ⫹ b ⫽ n2 ⫹ 2n a b ⫹ a b ⫽ n2 ⫹ 5n ⫹
5 25
2 2 2 4
[YOU TRY 6] Complete the square for p2 ⫺ 3p to obtain a perfect square trinomial. Then, factor.

5 Solve a Quadratic Equation by Completing
the Square
Any quadratic equation of the form ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0 (a ⫽ 0) can be written in the
form (x ⫺ h)2 ⫽ k by completing the square. Once an equation is in this form, we can
use the square root property to solve for the variable.
Procedure Solve a Quadratic Equation (ax 2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0) by

Step 1: The coefficient of the squared term must be 1. If it is not 1, divide both
sides of the equation by a to obtain a leading coefficient of 1.
Step 2: Get the variables on one side of the equal sign and the constant on the
other side.
Step 3: Complete the square. Find half of the linear coefficient, then square the
result. Add that quantity to both sides of the equation.
Step 4: Factor.
Step 5: Solve using the square root property.
EXAMPLE 7 Solve by completing the square.

a) x2 ⫹ 6x ⫹ 8 ⫽ 0 b) 12h ⫹ 4h2 ⫽ ⫺24
Solution
a) x2 ⫹ 6x ⫹ 8 ⫽ 0
Step 1: The coefficient of x2 is already 1.
other side: x2 ⫹ 6x ⫽ ⫺8
1
Step 3: Complete the square: (6) ⫽ 3
2
32 ⫽ 9
Are you writing out the Add 9 to both sides of the equation: x 2 ⫹ 6x ⫹ 9 ⫽ ⫺8 ⫹ 9
steps as you are reading x2 ⫹ 6x ⫹ 9 ⫽ 1
them?
Step 4: Factor: (x ⫹ 3)2 ⫽ 1
(x ⫹ 3)2 ⫽ 1
x ⫹ 3 ⫽ ⫾11
x ⫹ 3 ⫽ ⫾1
b R
x⫹3⫽1 or x ⫹ 3 ⫽ ⫺1
x ⫽ ⫺2 or x ⫽ ⫺4
The check is left to the student. The solution set is 5⫺4, ⫺26.
Note
We would have obtained the same result if we had solved the equation by
factoring.
x2 ⫹ 6x ⫹ 8 ⫽ 0
(x ⫹ 4)(x ⫹ 2) ⫽ 0
b R
x⫹4⫽0 or x ⫹ 2 ⫽ 0
x ⫽ ⫺4 or x ⫽ ⫺2
b) 12h ⫹ 4h2 ⫽ ⫺24

Step 1: Because the coefficient of h2 is not 1, divide the whole equation by 4.
12h 4h2 ⫺24
⫹ ⫽
4 4 4
3h ⫹ h2 ⫽ ⫺6
Step 2: The constant is on a side by itself. Rewrite the left side of the equation.
h2 ⫹ 3h ⫽ ⫺6
1 3
Step 3: Complete the square: (3) ⫽
2 2
3 2
a b ⫽
9
2 4
9
Add to both sides of the equation.
4
9 9
h2 ⫹ 3h ⫹ ⫽ ⫺6 ⫹
4 4
9 24 9
h2 ⫹ 3h ⫹ ⫽ ⫺ ⫹ Get a common denominator.
4 4 4
9 15
h2 ⫹ 3h ⫹ ⫽ ⫺
4 4
Step 4: Factor.
3 2
ah ⫹ b ⫽ ⫺
15
2 4
c
3 1
is (3), the coefficient of h.
2 2

3 2
ah ⫹ b ⫽ ⫺
15
2 4
A 4
3 15
h⫹ ⫽⫾ ⫺
115
2
3
h⫹ ⫽⫾ i Simplify the radical.
115
2 2
3 3
h⫽⫺ ⫾ i Subtract .
2
2 2
115 115
This quadratic equation
The check is left to the student. The solution set is
produced nonreal,
e⫺ ⫺ if.
complex solutions. 3 3
i, ⫺ ⫹
2 2 2 2

[YOU TRY 7] Solve by completing the square.
a) q2 ⫹ 10q ⫺ 24 ⫽ 0 b) 2m2 ⫹ 16 ⫽ 10m
ANSWERS TO [YOU TRY] EXERCISES

1) a) {⫺10, 10} b) {⫺4 12, 4 12} c) {⫺2i, 2i}
3 ⫺ 2 16 3 ⫹ 2 16
2) {⫺15, 3}
3) a) e ⫺1, f b) e f c) {7 ⫺ 10i, 7 ⫹ 10i}
5
,
3 12 3 3 12
7 5 5
d) e ⫺ ⫺ if 4) 161
3
i, ⫹
2 2 2 2
17 5 17
5) a) w ⫹ 2w ⫹ 1; (w ⫹ 1) b) z ⫺ 16z ⫹ 64; (z ⫺ 8)2
2 2 2
3 2
6) p2 ⫺ 3p ⫹ ; ap ⫺ b 7) a) {⫺12, 2} b) e ⫺ if
9 5
i, ⫹
4 2 2 2 2 2
10.1 Exercises Do the exercises, and check your work.
Objective 1: Solve an Equation of the Form x 2 ⴝ k 25) (c ⫹ 3)2 ⫺ 4 ⫽ ⫺29 26) (u ⫺ 15)2 ⫺ 4 ⫽ ⫺8
1) Choose two methods to solve y2 ⫺ 16 ⫽ 0. Solve the 27) 1 ⫽ 15 ⫹ (k ⫺ 2)2 28) 2 ⫽ 14 ⫹ (g ⫹ 4)2
equation using both methods. 29) 20 ⫽ (2w ⫹ 1)2 30) (5b ⫺ 6)2 ⫽ 11
2) If k is a negative number and x2 ⫽ k, what can you 31) 8 ⫽ (3q ⫺ 10)2 ⫺ 6 32) 22 ⫽ (6x ⫹ 11)2 ⫹ 4
conclude about the solution to the equation?
33) 36 ⫹ (4p ⫺ 5)2 ⫽ 6 34) (3k ⫺ 1)2 ⫹ 20 ⫽ 4
Solve using the square root property. 35) (6g ⫹ 11)2 ⫹ 50 ⫽ 1 36) 9 ⫽ 38 ⫹ (9s ⫺ 4)2
37) a n ⫺ 8b ⫽ 4 38) a j ⫹ 10b ⫽ 16

3) b2 ⫽ 36 4) h2 ⫽ 64 3 2 2 2
4 3
5) r2 ⫺ 27 ⫽ 0 6) a2 ⫺ 30 ⫽ 0
39) (5y ⫺ 2)2 ⫹ 6 ⫽ 22 40) ⫺6 ⫽ 3 ⫺ (2q ⫺ 9)2
2 4 2 121
7) n ⫽ 8) v ⫽
9 16
Objective 3: Use the Distance Formula
9) q 2 ⫽ ⫺4 10) w2 ⫽ ⫺121
Find the distance between the given points.
2 2
11) z ⫹ 3 ⫽ 0 12) h ⫹ 14 ⫽ ⫺23
41) (7, ⫺1) and (3, 2) 42) (3, 10) and (12, 6)
2
13) z ⫹ 5 ⫽ 19 14) q2 ⫺ 3 ⫽ 15
43) (⫺5, ⫺6) and (⫺2, ⫺8) 44) (5, ⫺2) and (⫺3, 4)
15) 4m2 ⫹ 1 ⫽ 37 16) 2d 2 ⫹ 5 ⫽ 55
45) (0, 3) and (3, ⫺1) 46) (⫺8, 3) and (2, 1)
17) 5f 2 ⫹ 39 ⫽ ⫺21 18) 2y2 ⫹ 56 ⫽ 0
47) (⫺4, 11) and (2, 6) 48) (0, 13) and (0, 7)
49) (3, ⫺3) and (5, ⫺7) 50) (⫺5, ⫺6) and (⫺1, 2)
Objective 2: Solve an Equation of the
Form (ax ⴙ b)2 ⴝ k
Solve using the square root property. Objective 4: Complete the Square for an
Expression of the Form x 2 ⴙ bx
19) (r ⫹ 10)2 ⫽ 4 20) (x ⫺ 5)2 ⫽ 81
51) What is a perfect square trinomial? Give an example.
21) (q ⫺ 7)2 ⫽ 1 22) (c ⫹ 12)2 ⫽ 25
52) Can you complete the square on 3y2 ⫹ 15y as it is
23) (p ⫹ 4)2 ⫺ 18 ⫽ 0 24) (d ⫹ 2)2 ⫺ 7 ⫽ 13
given? Why or why not?
Complete the square for each expression to obtain a 75) a2 ⫹ 19 ⫽ 8a 76) v2 ⫹ 4v ⫹ 8 ⫽ 0
perfect square trinomial. Then, factor.
77) m2 ⫹ 3m ⫺ 40 ⫽ 0 78) p2 ⫹ 5p ⫹ 4 ⫽ 0
Fill It In 79) x2 ⫺ 7x ⫹ 12 ⫽ 0 80) d 2 ⫹ d ⫺ 72 ⫽ 0
Fill in the blanks with either the missing mathematical
81) r2 ⫺ r ⫽ 3 82) y2 ⫺ 3y ⫽ 7
step or reason for the given step.
83) c2 ⫹ 5c ⫹ 7 ⫽ 0 84) b2 ⫹ 14 ⫽ 7b
53) w2 ⫹ 8w
85) 3k2 ⫺ 6k ⫹ 12 ⫽ 0 86) 4f 2 ⫹ 16f ⫹ 48 ⫽ 0
Find half of the coefficient of w.
87) 4r2 ⫹ 24r ⫽ 8 88) 3h2 ⫹ 6h ⫽ 15
Square the result.
89) 10d ⫽ 2d 2 ⫹ 12 90) 54x ⫺ 6x2 ⫽ 48
Add the constant to the expression.
91) 2n2 ⫹ 8 ⫽ 5n 92) 2t2 ⫹ 3t ⫹ 4 ⫽ 0
The perfect square trinomial is
93) 4a2 ⫺ 7a ⫹ 3 ⫽ 0 94) n ⫹ 2 ⫽ 3n2
The factored form of the trinomial is
95) (y ⫹ 5)(y ⫺ 3) ⫽ 5 96) (b ⫺ 4)(b ⫹ 10) ⫽ ⫺17
2
54) n ⫺ n
97) (2m ⫹ 1)(m ⫺ 3) ⫽ ⫺7 98) (3c ⫹ 4)(c ⫹ 2) ⫽ 3
1 1
(⫺1) ⫽ ⫺
2 2 Use the Pythagorean theorem and the square root
1 2 1 property to find the length of the missing side.
a⫺ b ⫽
2 4 99) 8 100)
2 1
n ⫺n⫹
4
13 b
The perfect square trinomial is a
10
The factored form of the trinomial is

5
101) 102) 1
55) a2 ⫹ 12a 56) g2 ⫹ 4g c
2
57) c2 ⫺ 18c 58) k2 ⫺ 16k
59) t2 ⫹ 5t 60) z2 ⫺ 7z 5 2 a
2 2
61) b ⫺ 9b 62) r ⫹ 3r
1 3
63) x2 ⫹ x 64) y2 ⫺ y
3 5
Write an equation, and solve. (Hint: Draw a picture.)
Objective 5: Solve a Quadratic Equation by 103) The width of a rectangle is 4 in., and its diagonal is
Completing the Square 2113 in. long. What is the length of the rectangle?
65) What is the first thing you should do if you want to 104) Find the length of the diagonal of a rectangle if it
solve 2p2 ⫺ 7p ⫽ 8 by completing the square? has a width of 5 cm and a length of 412 cm.
66) Can x3 ⫹ 10x ⫺ 3 ⫽ 0 be solved by completing the Write an equation, and solve.
square? Give a reason for your answer.
105) A 13-ft ladder is leaning against a wall so that the
Solve by completing the square. base of the ladder is 5 ft away from the wall. How
high on the wall does the ladder reach?
67) x2 ⫹ 6x ⫹ 8 ⫽ 0 68) t2 ⫹ 12t ⫺ 13 ⫽ 0
69) k2 ⫺ 8k ⫹ 15 ⫽ 0 70) v2 ⫺ 6v ⫺ 27 ⫽ 0
13 ft
71) u2 ⫺ 9 ⫽ 2u 72) s2 ⫹ 10 ⫽ ⫺10s
73) p2 ⫽ ⫺10p ⫺ 26 74) t2 ⫽ 2t ⫺ 9
5 ft

106) Salma is flying a kite. It is 30 ft from her horizon- 107) Let f (x) ⫽ (x ⫹ 3)2. Find x so that f (x) ⫽ 49.
tally, and it is 40 ft above her hand. How long is
108) Let g(t) ⫽ (t ⫺ 5)2. Find t so that g(t) ⫽ 12.
the kite string?
Solve each problem by writing an equation and solving
xx
it by completing the square.
40 ft 109) The length of a rectangular garden is 8 ft more
than its width. Find the dimensions of the garden
if it has an area of 153 ft2.
110) The rectangular screen on a laptop has an area of
30 ft
375 cm2. Its width is 10 cm less than its length.
What are the dimensions of the screen?
R1) Why must the coefficient be “1” before you use R3) What do you find most difficult about complet-
the square root property? ing the square? After you complete the square,
R2) Can you think of a real-life situation where you which method do you use next?
may need to use the distance formula?
10.2 The Quadratic Formula

1 Derive the Quadratic Formula • Understand where the quadratic formula comes from.
• Learn the quadratic formula. Practice writing it several
times in your notes.
2 Solve a Quadratic Equation Using the • Know how to write a quadratic equation in standard form.
Quadratic Formula • Be able to identify a, b, and c in the quadratic formula.
3 Determine the Number and Type • Write out all the possible types/number of solutions for
a discriminant in your notes.
of Solutions of a Quadratic Equation
Using the Discriminant • Complete the given example on your own.
4 Solve an Applied Problem Using the • Read the problem carefully.

Quadratic Formula • In a motion equation, be able to determine if you are
solving for height (h) or solving for time (t), if applicable.
• Review the Pythagorean theorem.
www.mhhe.com/messersmith SECTION 10.2 The Quadratic Formula 623

Read the explanations, follow the examples, take notes, and complete the You Trys.
1 Derive the Quadratic Formula

In Section 10.1, we saw that any quadratic equation of the form ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0 (a ⫽ 0)
can be solved by completing the square. Therefore, we can solve equations like
x2 ⫺ 8x ⫹ 5 ⫽ 0 and 2x2 ⫹ 3x ⫺ 1 ⫽ 0 using this method.
We can develop another method for solving quadratic equations by completing the
square on the general quadratic equation ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0 (a ⫽ 0). This will let us
derive the quadratic formula.
The steps we use to complete the square on ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0 are exactly the same
steps we use to solve an equation like 2x2 ⫹ 3x ⫺ 1 ⫽ 0. We will do these steps side by
side so that you can more easily understand how we are solving ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0 for
x by completing the square.
Solve for x by Completing the Square.
2x2 ⫹ 3x ⫺ 1 ⫽ 0 ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0
Step 1: The coefficient of the squared term must be 1.

2x2 ⫹ 3x ⫺ 1 ⫽ 0 ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0
2x2 3x 1 0 ax2 bx c 0
⫹ ⫺ ⫽ Divide by 2. ⫹ ⫹ ⫽ Divide by a.
2 2 2 2 a a a a
3 1 b c
x2 ⫹ x⫺ ⫽0 Simplify. x2 ⫹ x⫹ ⫽0 Simplify.
2 2 a a
Step 2: Get the constant on the other side of the equal sign.
Notice that we are using 3 1 1 b c c

the same steps that we
x2 ⫹ x⫽ Add . x2 ⫹ x⫽⫺ Subtract .
2 2 2 a a a
used in Section 10.1 to
solve both equations. Step 3: Complete the square.
a b⫽ a b⫽
1 3 3 1 1 b b 1
of x-coefficient of x-coefficient
2 2 4 2 2 a 2a 2
3 2 b 2 b2
a b ⫽ a b ⫽ 2
9
Square the result. Square the result.
4 16 2a 4a
9 b2
Add to both sides of the equation. Add to both sides of the equation.
16 4a2
3 9 1 9 b b2 c b2
x2 ⫹ x⫹ ⫽ ⫹ x2 ⫹ x⫹ 2⫽⫺ ⫹ 2
2 16 2 16 a 4a a 4a
3 9 8 9 Get a b b2 4ac b2 Get a
x2 ⫹ x⫹ ⫽ ⫹ common x2 ⫹ x⫹ 2⫽⫺ 2 ⫹ 2 common
2 16 16 16 denominator. a 4a 4a 4a denominator.
3 9 17 b b2 b2 ⫺ 4ac
x2 ⫹ x⫹ ⫽ Add. x2 ⫹ x⫹ 2⫽ Add.
2 16 16 a 4a 4a2

Step 4: Factor.
3 2 17 b 2 b2 ⫺ 4ac
ax ⫹ b ⫽ ax ⫹ b ⫽
4 16 2a 4a2
c c
is a b, the coefficient of x. is a b, the coefficient of x.
3 1 3 b 1 b
4 2 2 2a 2 a

3 2 17 b 2 b2 ⫺ 4ac
ax ⫹ b ⫽ ax ⫹ b ⫽
4 16 2a 4a2
A 16 B 4a2
3 17 b b2 ⫺ 4ac
x⫹ ⫽⫾ x⫹ ⫽⫾
4 2a
116 ⫽ 4 24a2 ⫽ 2a
3 ⫾117 b ⫾2b2 ⫺ 4ac
x⫹ ⫽ x⫹ ⫽
4 4 2a 2a
3 117 3 b 2b2 ⫺ 4ac b
x⫽⫺ ⫾ Subtract . x⫽⫺ ⫾ Subtract .
4 4 4 2a 2a 2a
⫺3 ⫾ 117 ⫺b ⫾ 2b2 ⫺ 4ac

Same denomi- Same denomi-
x⫽ nators, add x⫽ nators, add
4 numerators. 2a numerators.
The result on the right is called the quadratic formula.
Definition The Quadratic Formula

Memorize this formula! The solutions of any quadratic equation of the form ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0 (a ⫽ 0) are
⫺b ⫾ 2b2 ⫺ 4ac
x⫽
2a
This formula is called the quadratic formula.
Note
1) To use the quadratic formula, write the equation to be solved in the
form ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0 so that a, b, and c can be identified correctly.
⫺b ⫾ 2b2 ⫺ 4ac
2) x ⫽ represents the two solutions
⫺b ⫹ 2b2 ⫺ 4ac ⫺b ⫺ 2b2 ⫺ 4ac

2a
x⫽ and x ⫽ .
2a 2a
3) Notice that the fraction bar runs under ⫺b and under the radical.
⫺b ⫾ 2b2 ⫺ 4ac 2b2 ⫺ 4ac
x⫽ x ⫽ ⫺b ⫾
2a 2a
Correct Incorrect
24a2 ⫽ 2a.
4) When deriving the quadratic formula, using the ⫾ allows us to say that
5) The quadratic formula is a very important result, and we will use it

often. It should be memorized!

2 Solve a Quadratic Equation Using the
Quadratic Formula
EXAMPLE 1 Solve using the quadratic formula.

a) 2x2 ⫹ 3x ⫺ 1 ⫽ 0 b) k2 ⫽ 10k ⫺ 29
Solution
a) Is 2x2 ⫹ 3x ⫺ 1 ⫽ 0 in the form ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0? Yes. Identify the values
of a, b, and c, and substitute them into the quadratic formula.
a⫽2 b⫽3 c ⫽ ⫺1
⫺b ⫾ 2b2 ⫺ 4ac
x⫽ Quadratic formula
⫺(3) ⫾ 2(3)2 ⫺ 4(2)(⫺1)

2a
Write down the quadratic
formula and the values of ⫽ Substitute a ⫽ 2, b ⫽ 3, and c ⫽ ⫺1.
⫺3 ⫾ 29 ⫺ (⫺8)
2(2)
a, b, and c on your paper.
⫽ Perform the operations.
⫺3 ⫾ 117
4
⫽
4
⫺3 ⫺ 117 ⫺3 ⫹ 117
The solution set is e , f . This is the same result we obtained
4 4
when we solved this equation by completing the square at the beginning of the section.
b) Is k2 ⫽ 10k ⫺ 29 in the form ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0? No. Begin by writing the equation
in the correct form.
k2 ⫺ 10k ⫹ 29 ⫽ 0 Subtract 10k, and add 29 to both sides.
a⫽1 b ⫽ ⫺10 c ⫽ 29 Identify a, b, and c.
⫺b ⫾ 2b ⫺ 4ac
2
k⫽ Quadratic formula
⫺(⫺10) ⫾ 2(⫺10)2 ⫺ 4(1)(29)

2a
⫽ Substitute a ⫽ 1, b ⫽ ⫺10, and c ⫽ 29.
10 ⫾ 2100 ⫺ 116
2(1)
10 ⫾ 2⫺16
2
⫽ 100 ⫺ 116 ⫽ ⫺16

2
1⫺16 ⫽ 4i
10 ⫾ 4i
⫽
2
10 4
⫽ ⫾ i ⫽ 5 ⫾ 2i
2 2
The solution set is {5 ⫺ 2i, 5 ⫹ 2i}.
[YOU TRY 1] Solve using the quadratic formula.

a) n2 ⫹ 9n ⫹ 18 ⫽ 0 b) 5t2 ⫹ t ⫺ 2 ⫽ 0

Equations in various forms may be solved using the quadratic formula.
EXAMPLE 2 Solve using the quadratic formula.

(3p ⫺ 1)(3p ⫹ 4) ⫽ 3p ⫺ 5
Solution
Is (3p ⫺ 1)(3p ⫹ 4) ⫽ 3p ⫺ 5 in the form ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0? No. Before we can apply
the quadratic formula, we must write it in that form.
(3p ⫺ 1)(3p ⫹ 4) ⫽ 3p ⫺ 5
9p2 ⫹ 9p ⫺ 4 ⫽ 3p ⫺ 5 Multiply using FOIL.
9p2 ⫹ 6p ⫹ 1 ⫽ 0 Subtract 3p, and add 5 to both sides.
The equation is in the correct form. Identify a, b, and c: a⫽9 b⫽6 c⫽1
⫺b ⫾ 2b2 ⫺ 4ac
p⫽ Quadratic formula
⫺(6) ⫾ 2(6)2 ⫺ 4(9)(1)

2a
⫽ Substitute a ⫽ 9, b ⫽ 6, and c ⫽ 1.
⫺6 ⫾ 136 ⫺ 36
2(9)
⫺6 ⫾ 10
18
⫽
18
⫺6 ⫾ 0 ⫺6 1
⫽ ⫽ ⫽⫺
18 18 3
The solution set is e ⫺ f .

1
3
[YOU TRY 2] Solve using the quadratic formula.

a) 3 ⫺ 2z ⫽ ⫺2z2 b) (d ⫹ 6)(d ⫺ 2) ⫽ ⫺10
To solve a quadratic equation containing fractions, first multiply by the LCD to eliminate
the fractions. Then, solve using the quadratic formula.
3 Determine the Number and Type of Solutions

of a Quadratic Equation Using the Discriminant
We can find the solutions of any quadratic equation of the form ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0 (a ⫽ 0)
using the quadratic formula.
⫺b ⫾ 2b2 ⫺ 4ac
x⫽
2a
The radicand in the quadratic formula determines the type of solution a quadratic
equation has.

Property The Discriminant and Solutions
The expression under the radical, b2 ⫺ 4ac, is called the discriminant. The
discriminant tells us what kind of solution a quadratic equation has. If a, b, and
c are integers, then
1) if b2 ⫺ 4ac is positive and the square of an integer, the equation has two rational
solutions.
2) if b2 ⫺ 4ac is positive but not a perfect square, the equation has two irrational
solutions.
3) if b2 ⫺ 4ac is negative, the equation has two nonreal, complex solutions of the form
a ⫹ bi and a ⫺ bi.
4) if b2 ⫺ 4ac ⫽ 0, the equation has one rational solution.
EXAMPLE 3 Find the value of the discriminant. Then, determine the number and type of solutions
of each equation.
a) z2 ⫹ 6z ⫺ 4 ⫽ 0 b) 5h2 ⫽ 6h ⫺ 2
Solution
a) Is z2 ⫹ 6z ⫺ 4 ⫽ 0 in the form ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0? Yes. Identify a, b, and c.
a⫽1 b⫽6 c ⫽ ⫺4
2 2
Discriminant ⫽ b ⫺ 4ac ⫽ (6) ⫺ 4(1)(⫺4) ⫽ 36 ⫹ 16 ⫽ 52
Because 52 is positive but not a perfect square, the equation will have two irrational
solutions. (152, or 2113, will appear in the solution, and 2113 is irrational.)
b) Is 5h2 ⫽ 6h ⫺ 2 in the form ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0? No. Rewrite the equation in that
form, and identify a, b, and c.
5h2 ⫺ 6h ⫹ 2 ⫽ 0
a⫽5 b ⫽ ⫺6 c⫽2
Discriminant ⫽ b2 ⫺ 4ac ⫽ (⫺6)2 ⫺ 4(5)(2) ⫽ 36 ⫺ 40 ⫽ ⫺4
The discriminant is ⫺4, so the equation will have two nonreal, complex solutions of
the form a ⫹ bi and a ⫺ bi, where b ⫽ 0.
The discriminant is b2 ⫺ 4ac not 2b2 ⫺ 4ac.

[YOU TRY 3] Find the value of the discriminant. Then, determine the number and type of
solutions of each equation.
a) 2x2 ⫹ x ⫹ 5 ⫽ 0 b) m2 ⫹ 5m ⫽ 24 c) ⫺3v2 ⫽ 4v ⫺ 1
d) 4r(2r ⫺ 3) ⫽ ⫺1 ⫺ 6r ⫺ r2
4 Solve an Applied Problem Using the

Quadratic Formula
EXAMPLE 4 A ball is thrown upward from a height of 20 ft. The height h of the ball (in feet) t sec
after the ball is released is given by
h ⫽ ⫺16t2 ⫹ 16t ⫹ 20
a) How long does it take the ball to reach a height of 8 ft?
b) How long does it take the ball to hit the ground?
Solution
a) Find the time it takes for the ball to reach a height of 8 ft.
Find t when h ⫽ 8.
h ⫽ ⫺16t2 ⫹ 16t ⫹ 20
8 ⫽ ⫺16t2 ⫹ 16t ⫹ 20 Substitute 8 for h.
0 ⫽ ⫺16t2 ⫹ 16t ⫹ 12 Write in standard form.
0 ⫽ 4t2 ⫺ 4t ⫺ 3 Divide by ⫺4.
⫺b ⫾ 2b ⫺ 4ac2
t⫽ Quadratic formula
⫺(⫺4) ⫾ 2(⫺4)2 ⫺ 4(4)(⫺3)

2a
Substitute a ⫽ 4, b ⫽ ⫺4,
⫽
4 ⫾ 116 ⫹ 48
and c ⫽ ⫺3.
2(4)
4 ⫾ 164
8
4 ⫾ 8
⫽ ⫽
8 8
4⫹8 4⫺8 The equation has two rational solutions.
t⫽ or t⫽
8 8
12 3 ⫺4 1
t⫽ ⫽ or t⫽ ⫽⫺
8 2 8 2
1
Because t represents time, t cannot equal ⫺ . We reject that as a solution.
2
3
Therefore, t ⫽ sec or 1.5 sec. The ball will be 8 ft above the ground after 1.5 sec.
2

b) When the ball hits the ground, it is 0 ft above the ground.
Think carefully about the Find t when h ⫽ 0.

problem you are asked to
solve. What does it mean h ⫽ ⫺16t2 ⫹ 16t ⫹ 20
in terms of the formula? 0 ⫽ ⫺16t2 ⫹ 16t ⫹ 20 Substitute 0 for h.
0 ⫽ 4t2 ⫺ 4t ⫺ 5 Divide by ⫺4.
⫺(⫺4) ⫾ 2(⫺4) ⫺ 4(4)(–5)

2
t⫽ Substitute a ⫽ 4, b ⫽ ⫺4, and c ⫽ ⫺5.
4 ⫾ 116 ⫹ 80
2(4)
4 ⫾ 196
8
⫽
8
196 ⫽ 116 ⴢ 16 ⫽ 4 16
4 ⫾ 416
⫽
4(1 ⫾ 16)
8
⫽ Factor out 4 in the numerator.

8
1 ⫾ 16
t⫽ Divide numerator and denominator by 4 to simplify.
1 ⫹ 16 1 ⫺ 16
2
t⫽ or t⫽ The equation has two irrational solutions.

2 2
16 ⬇ 2.4
1 ⫹ 2.4 1 ⫺ 2.4
t⬇ or t⬇
2 2
3.4
t⬇ ⫽ 1.7 or t ⬇ ⫺0.7
2
1 ⫺ 16
Because t represents time, t cannot equal . We reject this as a solution.
1 ⫹ 16
2
Therefore, t ⫽ sec or t ⬇ 1.7 sec. The ball will hit the ground after about 1.7 sec.
2
[YOU TRY 4] An object is thrown upward from a height of 12 ft. The height h of the object
(in feet) t sec after the object is thrown is given by
h ⫽ ⫺16t2 ⫹ 56t ⫹ 12
a) How long does it take the object to reach a height of 36 ft?
b) How long does it take the object to hit the ground?

⫺1 ⫺ 141 ⫺1 ⫹ 141 15 1 15
b) e f 2) a) e ⫺ if
1
1) a) {⫺6, ⫺3} , i, ⫹
{⫺2 ⫺ 16, ⫺2 ⫹ 16}
10 10 2 2 2 2
b) 3) a) ⫺39; two nonreal, complex solutions
b) 121; two rational solutions c) 28; two irrational solutions d) 0; one rational solution
1
4) a) It takes sec to reach 36 ft on its way up and 3 sec to reach 36 ft on its way down.
7 ⫹ 161
2
b) sec or approximately 3.7 sec
4

10.2 Exercises Do the exercises, and check your work.
Mixed Exercises: Objectives 2 and 3 35) 4q2 ⫹ 6 ⫽ 20q 36) 4w2 ⫽ 6w ⫹ 16

Find the error in each, and correct the mistake. 37) Let f (x) ⫽ x2 ⫹ 6x ⫺ 2. Find x so that f (x) ⫽ 0.
1) The solution to ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0 (a ⫽ 0) can be
38) Let g(x) ⫽ 3x2 ⫺ 4x ⫺ 1. Find x so that g(x) ⫽ 0.
2b2 ⫺ 4ac
found using the quadratic formula.
39) Let h(t) ⫽ 2t2 ⫺ t ⫹ 7. Find t so that h(t) ⫽ 12.
x ⫽ ⫺b ⫾
2a 40) Let P(a) ⫽ a2 ⫹ 8a ⫹ 9. Find a so that P(a) ⫽ ⫺3.
2
2) In order to solve 5n ⫺ 3n ⫽ 1 using the quadratic 41) Let f (x) ⫽ 5x2 ⫹ 21x ⫺ 1 and g(x) ⫽ 2x ⫹ 3. Find
formula, a student substitutes a, b, and c into the all values of x such that f (x) ⫽ g(x).

⫺(⫺3) ⫾ 2(⫺3) ⫺ 4(5)(1)
formula in this way: a ⫽ 5, b ⫽ ⫺3, c ⫽ 1.
2 42) Let F(x) ⫽ ⫺x2 ⫹ 3x ⫺ 2 and G(x) ⫽ x2 ⫹ 12x ⫹ 6.
n⫽ Find all values of x such that F(x) ⫽ G(x).
2(5)
⫺2 ⫾ 6111
3) ⫽ ⫺1 ⫾ 6111 Objective 3: Determine the Number and Type of
2
Solutions of a Quadratic Equation Using the
4) The discriminant of 3z2 ⫺ 4z ⫹ 1 ⫽ 0 is
2b2 ⫺ 4ac ⫽ 2(⫺4)2 ⫺ 4(3)(1)
Discriminant
⫽ 216 ⫺ 12
43) If the discriminant of a quadratic equation is zero,
⫽ 24
what do you know about the solutions of the equation?
44) If the discriminant of a quadratic equation is
⫽ 2. negative, what do you know about the solutions
of the equation?
Objective 2: Solve a Quadratic Equation Using
the Quadratic Formula Find the value of the discriminant. Then, determine the
Solve using the quadratic formula. number and type of solutions of each equation. Do not solve.
5) x2 ⫹ 4x ⫹ 3 ⫽ 0 6) v2 ⫺ 8v ⫹ 7 ⫽ 0
45) 10d 2 ⫺ 9d ⫹ 3 ⫽ 0 46) 3j 2 ⫹ 8j ⫹ 2 ⫽ 0
2 2
7) 3t ⫹ t ⫺ 10 ⫽ 0 8) 6q ⫹ 11q ⫹ 3 ⫽ 0
47) 4y2 ⫹ 49 ⫽ ⫺28y 48) 3q ⫽ 1 ⫹ 5q2
2 2
9) k ⫹ 2 ⫽ 5k 10) n ⫽ 5 ⫺ 3n
49) ⫺5 ⫽ u(u ⫹ 6) 50) g2 ⫹ 4 ⫽ 4g
2 2
11) y ⫽ 8y ⫺ 25 12) ⫺4x ⫹ 5 ⫽ ⫺x
51) 2w2 ⫺ 4w ⫺ 5 ⫽ 0 52) 3 ⫹ 2p2 ⫺ 7p ⫽ 0
2
13) 3 ⫺ 2w ⫽ ⫺5w 14) 2d 2 ⫽ ⫺4 ⫺ 5d
15) r2 ⫹ 7r ⫽ 0 16) p2 ⫺ 10p ⫽ 0 Find the value of a, b, or c so that each equation has
only one rational solution.
17) 2k(k ⫺ 3) ⫽ ⫺3 18) 3v(v ⫹ 3) ⫽ 7v ⫹ 4
53) z2 ⫹ bz ⫹ 16 ⫽ 0 54) k2 ⫹ bk ⫹ 49 ⫽ 0
19) (2c ⫺ 5)(c ⫺ 5) ⫽ ⫺3 20) ⫺11 ⫽ (3z ⫺ 1)(z ⫺ 5)
1 4 5 1 1 3 55) 4y2 ⫺ 12y ⫹ c ⫽ 0 56) 25t2 ⫺ 20t ⫹ c ⫽ 0
21) u2 ⫹ u ⫽ 22) h ⫹ ⫽ h2
6 3 2 6 2 4 57) ap2 ⫹ 12p ⫹ 9 ⫽ 0 58) ax2 ⫺ 6x ⫹ 1 ⫽ 0
23) 2(p ⫹ 10) ⫽ (p ⫹ 10)(p ⫺ 2)
24) (t ⫺ 8)(t ⫺ 3) ⫽ 3(3 ⫺ t) Objective 4: Solve an Applied Problem Using the
Quadratic Formula
25) 4g2 ⫹ 9 ⫽ 0 26) 25q2 ⫺ 1 ⫽ 0
Write an equation, and solve.
27) x(x ⫹ 6) ⫽ ⫺34 28) c(c ⫺ 4) ⫽ ⫺22
the other leg. The hypotenuse is 129 in. long. Find
59) One leg of a right triangle is 1 in. more than twice
29) (2s ⫹ 3)(s ⫺ 1) ⫽ s2 ⫺ s ⫹ 6
the lengths of the legs.
60) The hypotenuse of a right triangle is 134 in. long.
30) (3m ⫹ 1)(m ⫺ 2) ⫽ (2m ⫺ 3)(m ⫹ 2)
31) 3(3 ⫺ 4y) ⫽ ⫺4y2 32) 5a(5a ⫹ 2) ⫽ ⫺1
The length of one leg is 1 in. less than twice the
1 2 1 1 3
33) ⫺ ⫽ p2 ⫹ p 34) n ⫽ n2 ⫹ 2 other leg. Find the lengths of the legs.
6 3 2 2 4

Solve. 62) A ball is thrown upward from a height of 6 ft. The
height h of the ball (in feet) t sec after the ball is
61) An object is thrown upward from a height of 24 ft.
released is given by h ⫽ ⫺16t2 ⫹ 44t ⫹ 6.
The height h of the object (in feet) t sec after the
object is released is given by h ⫽ ⫺16t2 ⫹ 24t ⫹ 24. a) How long does it take the ball to reach a height
of 16 ft?
a) How long does it take the object to reach a
height of 8 ft? b) How long does it take the object to hit the
ground?
b) How long does it take the object to hit the ground?
R1) How many different types of solutions are R3) What do you find most difficult about solving
possible for a quadratic equation? applied problems?
R2) Do you know any songs that might help you
remember the quadratic formula?
Putting It All Together

What are your objectives for Putting It All Together? How can you accomplish each objective?
1 Decide Which Method to Use to Solve • Be able to write out all the different methods in
your notes.
a Quadratic Equation
• Review characteristics of each method, and be able to
identify the most efficient method for each problem.
• Try solving some problems using more than one
method, if time permits, and check your answers.
Read the explanations, follow the examples, take notes, and complete the You Try.
We have learned four methods for solving quadratic equations.
Methods for Solving Quadratic Equations

1) Factoring
2) Square root property
3) Completing the square
4) Quadratic formula
While it is true that the quadratic formula can be used to solve every quadratic equation
of the form ax2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0 (a ⫽ 0), it is not always the most efficient method. In this
section we will discuss how to decide which method to use to solve a quadratic equation.

1 Decide Which Method to Use to Solve a
Quadratic Equation
EXAMPLE 1 Solve.
a) p2 ⫺ 6p ⫽ 16 b) m2 ⫺ 8m ⫹ 13 ⫽ 0
c) 3t2 ⫹ 8t ⫹ 7 ⫽ 0 d) (2z ⫺ 7)2 ⫺ 6 ⫽ 0
Solution
a) Write p2 ⫺ 6p ⫽ 16 in standard form: p2 ⫺ 6p ⫺ 16 ⫽ 0
Does p2 ⫺ 6p ⫺ 16 factor? Yes. Solve by factoring.
( p ⫺ 8)( p ⫹ 2) ⫽ 0
—
—
p ⫺ 8 ⫽ 0 or p⫹2⫽0 Set each factor equal to 0.
p ⫽ 8 or p ⫽ ⫺2 Solve.

Write the solutions to the b) To solve m2 ⫺ 8m ⫹ 13 ⫽ 0 ask yourself, “Can I factor m2 ⫺ 8m ⫹ 13?” No, it
equations in this example does not factor. We could solve this using the quadratic formula, but completing
in your notes. In your own
words, explain why each the square is also a good method for solving this equation. Why?
method is chosen to solve
each equation.
Note
Completing the square is a good method for solving a quadratic equation
when the coefficient of the squared term is 1 or ⫺1 and when the coefficient
of the linear term is even.
We will solve m2 ⫺ 8m ⫹ 13 ⫽ 0 by completing the square.

Step 1: The coefficient of m2 is 1.
other side.
m2 ⫺ 8m ⫽ ⫺13
1
Step 3: Complete the square: (⫺8) ⫽ ⫺4
2
(⫺4)2 ⫽ 16
Add 16 to both sides of the equation.
m2 ⫺ 8m ⫹ 16 ⫽ ⫺13 ⫹ 16
m2 ⫺ 8m ⫹ 16 ⫽ 3
Step 4: Factor: (m ⫺ 4)2 ⫽ 3
Step 5: Solve using the square root property:
(m ⫺ 4)2 ⫽ 3
m ⫽ 4 ⫾ 13
m ⫺ 4 ⫽ ⫾13
The solution set is 54 ⫺ 13, 4 ⫹ 136.
www.mhhe.com/messersmith Putting It All Together 633

c) Ask yourself, “Can I solve 3t2 ⫹ 8t ⫹ 7 ⫽ 0 by factoring?” No, 3t2 ⫹ 8t ⫹ 7 does

not factor. Completing the square would not be a very efficient way to solve the
equation because the coefficient of t2 is 3, and dividing the equation by 3 would

8 7
give us t 2 ⫹ t ⫹ ⫽ 0.
3 3
We will solve 3t2 ⫹ 8t ⫹ 7 ⫽ 0 using the quadratic formula.
Identify a, b, and c: a⫽3 b⫽8 c⫽7
⫺b ⫾ 2b2 ⫺ 4ac
t⫽ Quadratic formula
⫺(8) ⫾ 2(8)2 ⫺ 4(3)(7)

2a
⫽ Substitute a ⫽ 3, b ⫽ 8, and c ⫽ 7.
⫺8 ⫾ 164 ⫺ 84
2(3)
⫺8 ⫾ 1⫺20
6
⫽
6
1⫺20 ⫽ i 14 15 ⫽ 2i 15
⫺8 ⫾ 2i15
⫽
6
2(⫺4 ⫾ i15)
⫽ Factor out 2 in the numerator.
6
⫺4 ⫾ i15 Divide numerator and
⫽
15
3 denominator by 2 to simplify.
4
⫽⫺ ⫾ i Write in the form a ⫹ bi.
3 3
15 15
The solution set is e ⫺ ⫺ if.
4 4
i, ⫺ ⫹
3 3 3 3
d) Which method should we use to solve (2z ⫺ 7)2 ⫺ 6 ⫽ 0?
We could square the binomial, combine like terms, then solve, possibly, by
factoring or using the quadratic formula. However, this would be very inefficient.
The equation contains a squared quantity and a constant.
We will solve (2z ⫺ 7)2 ⫺ 6 ⫽ 0 using the square root property.

(2z ⫺ 7)2 ⫺ 6 ⫽ 0
(2z ⫺ 7)2 ⫽ 6 Add 6 to each side.
2z ⫽ 7 ⫾ 16
2z ⫺ 7 ⫽ ⫾16 Square root property
7 ⫾ 16
Add 7 to each side.
z⫽ Divide by 2.
2
7 ⫺ 16 7 ⫹ 16
The solution set is e , f.
2 2

[YOU TRY 1] Solve.
a) 2k2 ⫹ 3 ⫽ 9k b) 2r2 ⫹ 3r ⫺ 2 ⫽ 0
c) (n ⫺ 8)2 ⫹ 9 ⫽ 0 d) y2 ⫹ 4y ⫽ ⫺10

9 ⫺ 157 9 ⫹ 157
1) a) e f b) e ⫺2, f d) 5⫺2 ⫺ i 16, ⫺2 ⫹ i 166
1
, c) {8 ⫺ 3i, 8 ⫹ 3i}
4 4 2
Putting It All
Do the exercises, and check your work.
Together Exercises
Objective 1: Decide Which Method to Use to 17) p( p ⫹ 8) ⫽ 3( p2 ⫹ 2) ⫹ p
Solve a Quadratic Equation 18) h2 ⫽ h 19)
10 21
⫽1⫹ 2
Keep in mind the four methods we have learned for z z
solving quadratic equations: factoring, the square root
20) 2s(2s ⫹ 3) ⫽ 4s ⫹ 5
property, completing the square, and the quadratic
formula. Solve the equations using one of these methods. 21) (3v ⫹ 4)(v ⫺ 2) ⫽ ⫺9
1) z2 ⫺ 50 ⫽ 0
2) j2 ⫺ 6j ⫽ 8

22) 34 ⫽ 6y ⫺ y2
3) a(a ⫹ 1) ⫽ 20 4) 2x2 ⫹ 6 ⫽ 3x 23) (c ⫺ 5)2 ⫹ 16 ⫽ 0
5) u2 ⫹ 7u ⫹ 9 ⫽ 0 6) 3p2 ⫺ p ⫺ 4 ⫽ 0 24) (2b ⫹ 1)(b ⫹ 5) ⫽ ⫺7
7) 2k(2k ⫹ 7) ⫽ 3(k ⫹ 1) 8) 2 ⫽ (w ⫹ 3) ⫹ 8 2
25) 3g ⫽ g2
1 2 3 1 26) 5z2 ⫹ 15z ⫹ 30 ⫽ 0

9) m2 ⫹ 14m ⫹ 60 ⫽ 0 10) y ⫽ ⫺ y
2 4 2
27) 4m3 ⫽ 9m
2 2
11) 10 ⫹ (3b ⫺ 1) ⫽ 4 12) c ⫹ 8c ⫹ 25 ⫽ 0
x2 x
9 1 1 28) 1 ⫽ ⫺
13) ⫽ ⫹ 14) 100 ⫽ 4d 2 12 3
2 a
2a 6
1 2 5 4
15) r2 ⫺ 4r ⫽ 3 16) 2t3 ⫹ 108t ⫽ ⫺30t2 29) q ⫹ q⫹ ⫽0
3 6 3
30) ⫺3 ⫽ (12d ⫹ 5)2 ⫹ 6
R1) Which method is easiest to use? Which one is the R2) Why would you need to complete the square?
most difficult? Why must the coefficient be equal to 1 before
you complete the square?
www.mhhe.com/messersmith Putting It All Together 635

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CHAPTER

• Revisit your financial goals. Are you getting closer to

608 CHAPTER 10 Quadratic Equations and Functions www.mhhe.com/messersmith

1 Be prepared before and during class. •

2 Understand the homework to the point •

3 Use the P.O.W.E.R. framework to help •

4 Write your own goal.

www.mhhe.com/messersmith CHAPTER 10 Quadratic Equations and Functions 609

7 Write your own goal.

Read Sections 10.1 to 10.7,

10.1 The Square Root Property and

610 CHAPTER 10 Quadratic Equations and Functions www.mhhe.com/messersmith

We defined a quadratic equation in Chapter 7. Let’s restate the definition:

The solution set is {⫺5, 8}.

1 Solve an Equation of the Form x 2 ⫽ k

Definition The Square Root Property

EXAMPLE 1 Solve using the square root property.

Be sure you are writing t2 ⫺ 20 ⫽ 0

612 CHAPTER 10 Quadratic Equations and Functions www.mhhe.com/messersmith

[YOU TRY 1] Solve using the square root property.

2 Solve an Equation of the Form (ax ⫹ b)2 ⫽ k

EXAMPLE 2 Solve x2 ⫽ 25 and (w ⫺ 4)2 ⫽ 25 using the square root property.

This means w ⫺ 4 ⫽ 5 or w ⫺ 4 ⫽ ⫺5. Solve both equations.

[YOU TRY 2] Solve (c ⫹ 6)2 ⫽ 81 using the square root property.

The solution set is e ⫺ , ⫺ f .

The solution set, e f , can also be written as e f.

614 CHAPTER 10 Quadratic Equations and Functions www.mhhe.com/messersmith

The check is left to the student. The solution set is e f.

[YOU TRY 3] Solve.

3 Use the Distance Formula

⫾ 2(x2 ⫺ x1)2 ⫹ ( y2 ⫺ y1)2 ⫽ c

Learn this formula! It is

⫽ 2(6)2 ⫹ (4)2 ⫽ 136 ⫹ 16 ⫽ 152 ⫽ 2113

Perfect Square Trinomials Factored Form

4 Complete the Square for an Expression of the

616 CHAPTER 10 Quadratic Equations and Functions www.mhhe.com/messersmith

Procedure Completing the Square for x 2 ⫹ bx

The perfect square trinomial is The perfect square trinomial is

Perfect Square Trinomial Factored Form

618 CHAPTER 10 Quadratic Equations and Functions www.mhhe.com/messersmith

Procedure Solve a Quadratic Equation (ax 2 ⫹ bx ⫹ c ⫽ 0) by

EXAMPLE 7 Solve by completing the square.

b) 12h ⫹ 4h2 ⫽ ⫺24

Step 5: Solve using the square root property.

620 CHAPTER 10 Quadratic Equations and Functions www.mhhe.com/messersmith

ANSWERS TO [YOU TRY] EXERCISES

10.1 Exercises Do the exercises, and check your work.

37) a n ⫺ 8b ⫽ 4 38) a j ⫹ 10b ⫽ 16

The factored form of the trinomial is

622 CHAPTER 10 Quadratic Equations and Functions www.mhhe.com/messersmith

10.2 The Quadratic Formula

4 Solve an Applied Problem Using the • Read the problem carefully.

www.mhhe.com/messersmith SECTION 10.2 The Quadratic Formula 623

1 Derive the Quadratic Formula

Step 1: The coefficient of the squared term must be 1.

Notice that we are using 3 1 1 b c c

624 CHAPTER 10 Quadratic Equations and Functions www.mhhe.com/messersmith

Step 5: Solve using the square root property.

⫺3 ⫾ 117 ⫺b ⫾ 2b2 ⫺ 4ac

The result on the right is called the quadratic formula.

Definition The Quadratic Formula

⫺b ⫹ 2b2 ⫺ 4ac ⫺b ⫺ 2b2 ⫺ 4ac

5) The quadratic formula is a very important result, and we will use it