M01_SULL6651_09_AIE_C01.

QXD 9/27/10 5:34 PM Page 92

92 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

92. Personal Finance: Cost of a Car The suggested list price of 97. Sharing the Cost of a Pizza Judy and Tom agree to share
a new car is $18,000. The dealer’s cost is 85% of list. How the cost of an $18 pizza based on how much each ate. If Tom
much will you pay if the dealer is willing to accept $100 over 2
ate the amount that Judy ate, how much should each pay?
cost for the car? 3
93. Business: Theater Attendance The manager of the Coral [Hint: Some pizza may be left.]
Theater wants to know whether the majority of its patrons
are adults or children. One day in July, 5200 tickets were Tom’s portion
sold and the receipts totaled $29,961. The adult admission is
$7.50, and the children’s admission is $4.50. How many adult
patrons were there?
94. Business: Discount Pricing A wool suit, discounted by
30% for a clearance sale, has a price tag of $399. What was
the suit’s original price?
95. Geometry The perimeter of a rectangle is 60 feet. Find its
length and width if the length is 8 feet longer than the width.
96. Geometry The perimeter of a rectangle is 42 meters. Find
Judy’s portion
its length and width if the length is twice the width.

Explaining Concepts: Discussion and Writing

98. What Is Wrong? One step in the following list contains an 99. The equation
error. Identify it and explain what is wrong.
5 8 + x
+ 3 =
x = 2 (1) x + 3 x + 3
3x - 2x = 2 (2)
3x = 2x + 2 (3) has no solution, yet when we go through the process of
x2 + 3x = x2 + 2x + 2 (4) solving it we obtain x = - 3. Write a brief paragraph to
x2 + 3x - 10 = x2 + 2x - 8 (5) explain what causes this to happen.
1x - 221x + 52 = 1x - 221x + 42 (6) 100. Make up an equation that has no solution and give it to a
x + 5 = x + 4 (7) fellow student to solve. Ask the fellow student to write a
1 = 0 (8) critique of your equation.

‘Are You Prepared?’ Answers

1. Distributive 2. Zero-Product 3. 5x ƒ x Z 46

1.2 Quadratic Equations

PREPARING FOR THIS SECTION Before getting started, review the following:
• Factoring Polynomials (Section R.5, pp. 49–55) • Square Roots (Section R.2, pp. 23–24)
• Zero-Product Property (Section R.1, p. 13) • Complete the Square (Section R.5, p. 56)

Now Work the ‘Are You Prepared?’ problems on page 101.

OBJECTIVES 1 Solve a Quadratic Equation by Factoring (p. 93)

2 Solve a Quadratic Equation by Completing the Square (p. 95)
3 Solve a Quadratic Equation Using the Quadratic Formula (p. 96)
4 Solve Problems That Can Be Modeled by Quadratic Equations (p. 99)

Quadratic equations are equations such as

2x2 + x + 8 = 0
3x2 - 5x + 6 = 0
x2 - 9 = 0
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SECTION 1.2 Quadratic Equations 93

DEFINITION A quadratic equation is an equation equivalent to one of the form

ax2 + bx + c = 0 (1)

where a, b, and c are real numbers and a Z 0.

A quadratic equation written in the form ax2 + bx + c = 0 is said to be in

standard form.
Sometimes, a quadratic equation is called a second-degree equation, because the
left side is a polynomial of degree 2. We shall discuss three ways of solving quadratic
equations: by factoring, by completing the square, and by using the quadratic formula.

1 Solve a Quadratic Equation by Factoring

When a quadratic equation is written in standard form ax2 + bx + c = 0, it may be
possible to factor the expression on the left side into the product of two first-degree
polynomials. Then, by using the Zero-Product Property and setting each factor
equal to 0, we can solve the resulting linear equations and obtain the solutions of the
quadratic equation.

EXAMPLE 1 Solving a Quadratic Equation by Factoring

Solve the equation:
(a) x2 + 6x = 0 (b) 2x2 = x + 3
Solution (a) The equation is in the standard form specified in equation (1). The left side may
be factored as
x2 + 6x = 0
x(x + 6) = 0 Factor.
Using the Zero-Product Property, set each factor equal to 0 and then solve
the resulting first-degree equations.
x = 0 or x + 6 = 0 Zero-Product Property
x = 0 or x = - 6 Solve.
The solution set is 50, -66.
(b) Place the equation 2x2 = x + 3 in standard form by adding -x - 3 to both
sides.
2x2 = x + 3
2x2 - x - 3 = 0 Add x  3 to both sides.

The left side may now be factored as

12x - 321x + 12 = 0 Factor.

so that
2x - 3 = 0 or x + 1 = 0 Zero-Product Property
3
x = x = - 1 Solve.
2

The solution set is e -1, f.

3
2
䊉
When the left side factors into two linear equations with the same solution, the
quadratic equation is said to have a repeated solution. This solution is also called a
root of multiplicity 2, or a double root.
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94 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

EXAMPLE 2 Solving a Quadratic Equation by Factoring

Solve the equation: 9x2 - 6x + 1 = 0
Solution This equation is already in standard form, and the left side can be factored.
9x2 - 6x + 1 = 0
13x - 1213x - 12 = 0
so
1 1
x = or x =
3 3

This equation has only the repeated solution . The solution set is e f.
1 1
3 3
䊉
Now Work PROBLEMS 11 AND 21

The Square Root Method

Suppose that we wish to solve the quadratic equation
x2 = p (2)
where p Ú 0 is a nonnegative number. Proceed as in the earlier examples.
x2 - p = 0 Put in standard form.
1x - 1p21x + 1p2 = 0 Factor (over the real numbers).
x = 1p or x = - 1p Solve.
We have the following result:

If x2 = p and p Ú 0, then x = 1p or x = - 1p. (3)

When statement (3) is used, it is called the Square Root Method. In statement (3),
note that if p 7 0 the equation x2 = p has two solutions, x = 1p and x = - 1p.
We usually abbreviate these solutions as x = ; 1p, read as “x equals plus or minus
the square root of p.”
For example, the two solutions of the equation
x2 = 4
are
x = ; 24 Use the Square Root Method.
and, since 24 = 2, we have
x = ;2
The solution set is 5-2, 26.

EXAMPLE 3 Solving a Quadratic Equation Using the Square Root Method

Solve each equation.
(a) x2 = 5 (b) 1x - 222 = 16
Solution (a) Use the Square Root Method to get
x2 = 5
x = ; 25 Use the Square Root Method.
x = 25 or x = - 25
The solution set is 5- 15, 156.
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SECTION 1.2 Quadratic Equations 95

(b) Use the Square Root Method to get

1x - 222 = 16
x - 2 = ; 216 Use the Square Root Method.
x - 2 = ;4
x - 2 = 4 or x - 2 = - 4
x = 6 or x = -2

The solution set is 5-2, 66.

䊉
Now Work PROBLEM 31

2 Solve a Quadratic Equation by Completing the Square

EXAMPLE 4 Solving a Quadratic Equation by Completing the Square
Solve by completing the square: x2 + 5x + 4 = 0
Solution Always begin this procedure by rearranging the equation so that the constant is
on the right side.
x2 + 5x + 4 = 0
x2 + 5x = - 4
Since the coefficient of x2 is 1, we can complete the square on the left side by adding
2
a # 5b =
1 25
. Of course, in an equation, whatever is added to the left side must also
2 4
25
be added to the right side. So add to both sides.
4
25 25 25
x2 + 5x + = -4 + Add to both sides.
4 4 4
5 2
ax + b =
9
Factor.
2 4
5 9
x + = ; Use the Square Root Method.
2 A4
5 3
x + = ;
2 2
5 3
x = - ;
2 2
5 3 5 3
x = - + = - 1 or x = - - = - 4
2 2 2 2

The solution set is 5-4, - 16.

䊉

T H E S O L U T I O N O F T H E E Q U AT I O N I N E X A M P L E 4 ALSO
C A N B E O BTA I N E D B Y FAC TO R I N G . R E W O R K E X A M P L E 4
USING THIS TECHNIQUE.

The next example illustrates an equation that cannot be solved by factoring.

EXAMPLE 5 Solving a Quadratic Equation by Completing the Square

Solve by completing the square: 2x2 - 8x - 5 = 0
Solution First, rewrite the equation so that the constant is on the right side.
2x2 - 8x - 5 = 0
2x2 - 8x = 5
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96 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

Next, divide both sides by 2 so that the coefficient of x2 is 1. (This enables us to

complete the square at the next step.)
5
x2 - 4x =
2
Finally, complete the square by adding 4 to both sides.
5
x2 - 4x + 4 = + 4
2

1x - 222
13
=
2
13
x - 2 = ; Use the Square Root Method.
A2
226 13 213 213 # 22 226
x - 2 = ; = = =
2 A2 22 22 22 2
226
x = 2 ;
2
226 226
NOTE If we wanted an approximation, The solution set is e 2 - ,2 + f.
2 2
say rounded to two decimal places, of 䊉
these solutions, we would use a
calculator to get 5 -0.55, 4.556. 䊏 Now Work PROBLEM 35

3 Solve a Quadratic Equation Using the Quadratic Formula

We can use the method of completing the square to obtain a general formula for
solving any quadratic equation
ax2 + bx + c = 0 a Z 0
NOTE There is no loss in generality to As in Examples 4 and 5, rearrange the terms as
assume that a 7 0, since if a 6 0 we
can multiply by - 1 to obtain an ax2 + bx = - c a 7 0
equivalent equation with a positive Since a 7 0, we can divide both sides by a to get
leading coefficient. 䊏
b c
x2 + x = -
a a

Now the coefficient of x2 is 1. To complete the square on the left side, add the square
1
of of the coefficient of x; that is, add
2
1#b 2 b2
a b =
2 a 4a2
to both sides. Then
b b2 b2 c
x2 + x + 2
= 2
-
a 4a 4a a
b 2 b2 - 4ac
ax + b =
b2 c b2 4ac b2 - 4ac
- = - = (4)
2a 4a2 4a 2 a 4a 2
4a2
4a2

Provided that b2 - 4ac Ú 0, we can now use the Square Root Method to get
b b2 - 4ac
x + = ;
2a A 4a2
The square root of a quotient equals
b ; 3b2 - 4ac the quotient of the square roots.
x + =
2a 2a Also, 44a2 = 2a since a 7 0.
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SECTION 1.2 Quadratic Equations 97

2
b 4b - 4ac b
x = - ; Add - to both sides.
2a 2a 2a

- b ; 4b2 - 4ac
= Combine the quotients on the right.
2a

What if b2 - 4ac is negative? Then equation (4) states that the left expression
(a real number squared) equals the right expression (a negative number). Since this
occurrence is impossible for real numbers, we conclude that if b2 - 4ac 6 0 the
quadratic equation has no real solution. (We discuss quadratic equations for which
the quantity b2 - 4ac 6 0 in detail in the next section.)

THEOREM Quadratic Formula

Consider the quadratic equation

ax2 + bx + c = 0 a Z 0

If b2 - 4ac 6 0, this equation has no real solution.

If b2 - 4ac Ú 0, the real solution(s) of this equation is (are) given by the
quadratic formula:

-b ; 4b2 - 4ac
x = (5)
2a

The quantity b2 ⴚ 4ac is called the discriminant of the quadratic equation,

because its value tells us whether the equation has real solutions. In fact, it also tells
us how many solutions to expect.

Discriminant of a Quadratic Equation

For a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0:
1. If b2 - 4ac 7 0, there are two unequal real solutions.
2. If b2 - 4ac = 0, there is a repeated solution, a root of multiplicity 2.
3. If b2 - 4ac 6 0, there is no real solution.

When asked to find the real solutions, of a quadratic equation, always evaluate
the discriminant first to see if there are any real solutions.

EXAMPLE 6 Solving a Quadratic Equation Using the Quadratic Formula

Use the quadratic formula to find the real solutions, if any, of the equation
3x2 - 5x + 1 = 0

Solution The equation is in standard form, so we compare it to ax2 + bx + c = 0 to find a,

b, and c.
3x2 - 5x + 1 = 0
ax2 + bx + c = 0 a = 3, b = - 5, c = 1
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98 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

With a = 3, b = - 5, and c = 1, evaluate the discriminant b2 - 4ac.

b2 - 4ac = 1- 522 - 4132112 = 25 - 12 = 13

Since b2 - 4ac 7 0, there are two real solutions, which can be found using the
quadratic formula.

-b ; 4b2 - 4ac -1- 52 ; 213 5 ; 213

x = = =
2a 2132 6

5 - 213 5 + 213
The solution set is e , f.
6 6
䊉

EXAMPLE 7 Solving a Quadratic Equation Using the Quadratic Formula

Use the quadratic formula to find the real solutions, if any, of the equation
25 2
x - 30x + 18 = 0
2
Solution The equation is given in standard form. However, to simplify the arithmetic, clear
the fractions.
25 2
x - 30x + 18 = 0
2
25x2 - 60x + 36 = 0 Clear fractions; multiply by 2.
ax2 + bx + c = 0 Compare to standard form.
With a = 25, b = - 60, and c = 36, evaluate the discriminant.

b2 - 4ac = 1- 6022 - 412521362 = 3600 - 3600 = 0

The equation has a repeated solution, which is found by using the quadratic formula.

- b ; 4b2 - 4ac 60 ; 20 60 6
x = = = =
2a 50 50 5

The solution set is e f.

6
5
䊉

EXAMPLE 8 Solving a Quadratic Equation Using the Quadratic Formula

Use the quadratic formula to find the real solutions, if any, of the equation
3x2 + 2 = 4x

Solution The equation, as given, is not in standard form.

3x2 + 2 = 4x
3x2 - 4x + 2 = 0 Put in standard form.

ax2 + bx + c = 0 Compare to standard form.

With a = 3, b = - 4, and c = 2, we find

b2 - 4ac = 1- 422 - 4132122 = 16 - 24 = - 8

Since b2 - 4ac 6 0, the equation has no real solution.

䊉
Now Work PROBLEMS 45 AND 55
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SECTION 1.2 Quadratic Equations 99

EXAMPLE 9 Solving a Quadratic Equation Using the Quadratic Formula

3 2
Find the real solutions, if any, of the equation: 9 + - 2 = 0, x Z 0
x x

Solution In its present form, the equation

3 2
9 + - 2 = 0
x x
is not a quadratic equation. However, it can be transformed into one by multiplying
each side by x2. The result is
9x2 + 3x - 2 = 0
Although we multiplied each side by x2, we know that x2 Z 0 (do you see why?),
so this quadratic equation is equivalent to the original equation.
Using a = 9, b = 3, and c = - 2, the discriminant is

b2 - 4ac = 32 - 41921 - 22 = 9 + 72 = 81

Since b2 - 4ac 7 0, the new equation has two real solutions.

-b ; 4b2 - 4ac -3 ; 281 -3 ; 9

x = = =
2a 2192 18
-3 + 9 6 1 -3 - 9 -12 2
x = = = or x = = = -
18 18 3 18 18 3

The solution set is e - , f.

2 1
3 3
䊉

SUMMARY Procedure for Solving a Quadratic Equation

To solve a quadratic equation, first put it in standard form:
ax2 + bx + c = 0
Then:
STEP 1: Identify a, b, and c.
STEP 2: Evaluate the discriminant, b2 - 4ac.
STEP 3: (a) If the discriminant is negative, the equation has no real solution.
(b) If the discriminant is zero, the equation has one real solution, a repeated root.
(c) If the discriminant is positive, the equation has two distinct real solutions.
If you can easily spot factors, use the factoring method to solve the equation. Otherwise, use the quadratic formula
or the method of completing the square.

4 Solve Problems That Can Be Modeled by Quadratic Equations

Many applied problems require the solution of a quadratic equation. Let’s look at
one that you will probably see again in a slightly different form if you study calculus.

EXAMPLE 10 Constructing a Box

From each corner of a square piece of sheet metal, remove a square of side 9 cen-
timeters. Turn up the edges to form an open box. If the box is to hold 144 cubic
centimeters (cm3), what should be the dimensions of the piece of sheet metal?
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100 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

Solution Use Figure 1 as a guide. We have labeled by x the length of a side of the square piece
of sheet metal. The box will be of height 9 centimeters, and its square base will meas-
ure x - 18 on each side. The volume V 1Length * Width * Height2 of the box is
therefore
V = 1x - 1821x - 182 # 9 = 91x - 1822
Figure 1 x cm

9 cm 9 cm

9 cm 9 cm
9 cm
x ⫺ 18 x cm
x ⫺ 18
9 cm 9 cm
x ⫺ 18 x ⫺ 18
9 cm 9 cm Volume ⫽ 9(x ⫺ 18)(x ⫺ 18)

Since the volume of the box is to be 144 cm3, we have

Check: If we begin with a 91x - 1822 = 144 V = 144

piece of sheet metal 22 centime- 1x - 182 2
= 16 Divide each side by 9.
ters by 22 centimeters, cut out a
x - 18 = ;4 Use the Square Root Method.
9 centimeter square from each
x = 18 ; 4
corner, and fold up the edges,
x = 22 or x = 14
we get a box whose dimensions
are 9 by 4 by 4, with volume Discard the solution x = 14 (do you see why?) and conclude that the sheet metal
9 * 4 * 4 = 144 cm3, as required. should be 22 centimeters by 22 centimeters.
䊉
Now Work PROBLEM 97

Historical Feature

P
roblems using quadratic equations are found in the oldest rule. Thomas Harriot (1560–1621) introduced the method of factoring
known mathematical literature. Babylonians and Egyptians to obtain solutions, and François Viète (1540–1603) introduced a
were solving such problems before 1800 BC. Euclid solved quad- method that is essentially completing the square.
ratic equations geometrically in his Data (300 BC), and the Hindus and Until modern times it was usual to neglect the negative roots
Arabs gave rules for solving any quadratic equation with real roots. (if there were any), and equations involving square roots of negative
Because negative numbers were not freely used before AD 1500, there quantities were regarded as unsolvable until the 1500s.
were several different types of quadratic equations, each with its own

Historical Problems
1. One of al-Khwǎrízmí solutions Solve x2 + 12x = 85 by drawing squares, we will have a larger square of known area. Complete
the square shown. The area of the four white rectangles and the the solution.
yellow square is x2 + 12x. We then set this expression equal to 2. Viète’s method Solve x2 + 12x - 85 = 0 by letting x = u + z.
85 to get the equation x2 + 12x = 85. If we add the four blue Then
(u + z)2 + 12(u + z) - 85 = 0
3 3
u2 + (2z + 12)u + (z2 + 12z - 85) = 0
3 x 3
Now select z so that 2z + 12 = 0 and finish the solution.
3. Another method to get the quadratic formula Look at equation (4)
x Area = x 2 x 2b2 - 4ac 2
on page 96. Rewrite the right side as a b and then
2a
subtract it from each side.The right side is now 0 and the left side
3 x 3
is a difference of two squares. If you factor this difference of two
3 Area = 3x 3 squares, you will easily be able to get the quadratic formula, and,
moreover, the quadratic expression is factored, which is some-
times useful.
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SECTION 1.2 Quadratic Equations 101

1.2 Assess Your Understanding

‘Are You Prepared?’ Answers are given at the end of these exercises. If you get a wrong answer, read the pages listed in red.

1. Factor: x2 - 5x - 6 (pp. 49–55) 2

4. True or False 4x = ƒ x ƒ . (pp. 23–24)
2. Factor: 2x2 - x - 3 (pp. 49–55) 5. Complete the square of x2 + 5x. Factor the new
3. The solution set of the equation 1x - 3213x + 52 = 0 is expression. (p. 56)
. (p. 13)

Concepts and Vocabulary

6. The quantity b2 - 4ac is called the of a 8. True or False If the discriminant of a quadratic equation is
quadratic equation. If it is , the equation has no positive, then the equation has two solutions that are
real solution. negatives of one another.
7. True or False Quadratic equations always have two real
solutions.

Skill Building
In Problems 9–28, solve each equation by factoring.
9. x2 - 9x = 0 10. x2 + 4x = 0 11. x2 - 25 = 0 12. x2 - 9 = 0

13. z2 + z - 6 = 0 14. v2 + 7v + 6 = 0 15. 2x2 - 5x - 3 = 0 16. 3x2 + 5x + 2 = 0

17. 3t2 - 48 = 0 18. 2y2 - 50 = 0 19. x1x - 82 + 12 = 0 20. x1x + 42 = 12

21. 4x2 + 9 = 12x 22. 25x2 + 16 = 40x 23. 61p2 - 12 = 5p 24. 212u2 - 4u2 + 3 = 0

6 12 41x - 22 3 -3 5 3
25. 6x - 5 = 26. x + = 7 27. + = 28. = 4 +
x x x - 3 x x1x - 32 x + 4 x - 2

In Problems 29–34, solve each equation by the Square Root Method.

29. x2 = 25 30. x2 = 36 31. 1x - 122 = 4

32. 1x + 222 = 1 33. 12y + 322 = 9 34. 13z - 222 = 4

In Problems 35–40, solve each equation by completing the square.

1 3
35. x2 + 4x = 21 36. x2 - 6x = 13 37. x2 - x - = 0
2 16

2 1 1
38. x2 + x - = 0 39. 3x2 + x - = 0 40. 2x2 - 3x - 1 = 0
3 3 2

In Problems 41–64, find the real solutions, if any, of each equation. Use the quadratic formula.
41. x2 - 4x + 2 = 0 42. x2 + 4x + 2 = 0 43. x2 - 4x - 1 = 0

44. x2 + 6x + 1 = 0 45. 2x2 - 5x + 3 = 0 46. 2x2 + 5x + 3 = 0

47. 4y2 - y + 2 = 0 48. 4t2 + t + 1 = 0 49. 4x2 = 1 - 2x

50. 2x2 = 1 - 2x 51. 4x2 = 9x 52. 5x = 4x2

3 2 1 1
53. 9t2 - 6t + 1 = 0 54. 4u2 - 6u + 9 = 0 55. x - x - = 0
4 4 2
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102 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

2 2 5 2 1 3 2 1
56. x - x - 3 = 0 57. x - x = 58. x - x =
3 3 3 5 5
1 2
59. 2x1x + 22 = 3 60. 3x1x + 22 = 1 61. 4 - - 2 = 0
x x
1 1 3x 1 2x 1
62. 4 + - 2 = 0 63. + = 4 64. + = 4
x x x - 2 x x - 3 x

In Problems 65–70, find the real solutions, if any, of each equation. Use the quadratic formula and a calculator. Express any solutions
rounded to two decimal places.
65. x2 - 4.1x + 2.2 = 0 66. x2 + 3.9x + 1.8 = 0 67. x2 + 23 x - 3 = 0

68. x2 + 22 x - 2 = 0 69. px2 - x - p = 0 70. px2 + px - 2 = 0

In Problems 71–76, use the discriminant to determine whether each quadratic equation has two unequal real solutions, a repeated real
solution, or no real solution, without solving the equation.
71. 2x2 - 6x + 7 = 0 72. x2 + 4x + 7 = 0 73. 9x2 - 30x + 25 = 0

74. 25x2 - 20x + 4 = 0 75. 3x2 + 5x - 8 = 0 76. 2x2 - 3x - 7 = 0

Mixed Practice
In Problems 77–90, find the real solutions, if any, of each equation. Use any method.
77. x2 - 5 = 0 78. x2 - 6 = 0 79. 16x2 - 8x + 1 = 0

80. 9x2 - 12x + 4 = 0 81. 10x2 - 19x - 15 = 0 82. 6x2 + 7x - 20 = 0

1
83. 2 + z = 6z2 84. 2 = y + 6y2 85. x2 + 22 x =
2
1 2
86. x = 22 x + 1 87. x2 + x = 4 88. x2 + x = 1
2
x 2 7x + 1 3x 1 4 - 7x
89. + = 2 90. + = 2
x - 2 x + 1 x - x - 2 x + 2 x - 1 x + x - 2

Applications and Extensions

91. Pythagorean Theorem How many right triangles have a
hypotenuse that measures 2x + 3 meters and legs that
measure 2x - 5 meters and x + 7 meters? What are the
dimensions of the triangle(s)?
92. Pythagorean Theorem How many right triangles have a
hypotenuse that measures 4x + 5 inches and legs that
measure 3x + 13 inches and x inches? What are the
dimensions of the triangle(s)?
93. Dimensions of a Window The area of the opening of a the shortest radius setting that can be used if the field is to
rectangular window is to be 143 square feet. If the length is be completely enclosed within the circle?
to be 2 feet more than the width, what are the dimensions? 97. Constructing a Box An open box is to be constructed from
94. Dimensions of a Window The area of a rectangular window a square piece of sheet metal by removing a square of side
is to be 306 square centimeters. If the length exceeds the 1 foot from each corner and turning up the edges. If the box
width by 1 centimeter, what are the dimensions? is to hold 4 cubic feet, what should be the dimensions of the
95. Geometry Find the dimensions of a rectangle whose sheet metal?
perimeter is 26 meters and whose area is 40 square meters. 98. Constructing a Box Rework Problem 97 if the piece of
96. Watering a Field An adjustable water sprinkler that sprays sheet metal is a rectangle whose length is twice its width.
water in a circular pattern is placed at the center of a square 99. Physics A ball is thrown vertically upward from the
field whose area is 1250 square feet (see the figure). What is top of a building 96 feet tall with an initial velocity of
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SECTION 1.2 Quadratic Equations 103

80 feet per second. The distance s (in feet) of the ball from of 3 inches, how wide will the border be? (1 cubic yard =
the ground after t seconds is s = 96 + 80t - 16t2. 27 cubic feet)
(a) After how many seconds does the ball strike the
ground? 10 ft
(b) After how many seconds will the ball pass the top of the
building on its way down? 6 ft

100. Physics An object is propelled vertically upward with an

initial velocity of 20 meters per second. The distance s (in
meters) of the object from the ground after t seconds is
s = - 4.9t2 + 20t. 106. Dimensions of a Patio A contractor orders 8 cubic yards of
(a) When will the object be 15 meters above the ground? premixed cement, all of which is to be used to pour a patio
(b) When will it strike the ground? that will be 4 inches thick. If the length of the patio is
(c) Will the object reach a height of 100 meters? specified to be twice the width, what will be the patio
101. Reducing the Size of a Candy Bar A jumbo chocolate bar dimensions? (1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet)
with a rectangular shape measures 12 centimeters in length,
107. Comparing TVs The screen size of a television is
7 centimeters in width, and 3 centimeters in thickness. Due
determined by the length of the diagonal of the rectangular
to escalating costs of cocoa, management decides to reduce
screen. Traditional TVs come in a 4 : 3 format, meaning the
the volume of the bar by 10%. To accomplish this reduction,
ratio of the length to the width of the rectangular screen is
management decides that the new bar should have the same
4 to 3. What is the area of a 37-inch traditional TV screen?
3 centimeter thickness, but the length and width of each
What is the area of a 37-inch LCD TV whose screen is in a
should be reduced an equal number of centimeters. What
16 : 9 format? Which screen is larger?
should be the dimensions of the new candy bar? 3
[Hint: If x is the length of a 4 : 3 format screen, then x is
4
the width.]

37" 37"

traditional LCD
4:3 16:9

108. Comparing TVs Refer to Problem 107. Find the screen

area of a traditional 50-inch TV and compare it with a
50-inch Plasma TV whose screen is in a 16 : 9 format. Which
102. Reducing the Size of a Candy Bar Rework Problem 101 if screen is larger?
the reduction is to be 20%. 109. The sum of the consecutive integers 1, 2, 3, Á , n is given by
103. Constructing a Border around a Pool A circular pool 1
the formula n1n + 12. How many consecutive integers,
measures 10 feet across. One cubic yard of concrete is to be 2
used to create a circular border of uniform width around starting with 1, must be added to get a sum of 666?
the pool. If the border is to have a depth of 3 inches, how 1
110. Geometry If a polygon of n sides has n1n - 32 diagonals,
wide will the border be? (1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet) See 2
the illustration. how many sides will a polygon with 65 diagonals have? Is
there a polygon with 80 diagonals?
b
111. Show that the sum of the roots of a quadratic equation is - .
a
x 112. Show that the product of the roots of a quadratic equation
c
is .
10 ft a
113. Find k such that the equation kx2 + x + k = 0 has a
repeated real solution.

114. Find k such that the equation x2 - kx + 4 = 0 has a

repeated real solution.
104. Constructing a Border around a Pool Rework Problem 103
if the depth of the border is 4 inches. 115. Show that the real solutions of the equation
105. Constructing a Border around a Garden A landscaper, ax2 + bx + c = 0 are the negatives of the real solutions of
who just completed a rectangular flower garden measuring the equation ax2 - bx + c = 0. Assume that b2 - 4ac Ú 0.
6 feet by 10 feet, orders 1 cubic yard of premixed cement, 116. Show that the real solutions of the equation
all of which is to be used to create a border of uniform width ax2 + bx + c = 0 are the reciprocals of the real solutions
around the garden. If the border is to have a depth of the equation cx2 + bx + a = 0. Assume that b2 - 4ac Ú 0.
M01_SULL6651_09_AIE_C01.QXD 9/27/10 5:35 PM Page 104

104 CHAPTER 1 Equations and Inequalities

Explaining Concepts: Discussion and Writing

117. Which of the following pairs of equations are equivalent? 120. Create three quadratic equations: one having two distinct
Explain. solutions, one having no real solution, and one having exactly
(a) x2 = 9; x = 3 (b) x = 29; x = 3 one real solution.
(c) 1x - 121x - 22 = 1x - 122; x - 2 = x - 1 121. The word quadratic seems to imply four (quad), yet a qua-
118. Describe three ways that you might solve a quadratic equa- dratic equation is an equation that involves a polynomial of
tion. State your preferred method; explain why you chose it. degree 2. Investigate the origin of the term quadratic as it is
used in the expression quadratic equation. Write a brief essay
119. Explain the benefits of evaluating the discriminant of a
on your findings.
quadratic equation before attempting to solve it.

‘Are You Prepared?’ Answers

5 2
1. 1x - 621x + 12 2. 12x - 321x + 12 3. e - , 3 f = ax + b
5 25
4. True 5. x2 + 5x +
3 4 2

1.3 Complex Numbers; Quadratic Equations

in the Complex Number System*
PREPARING FOR THIS SECTION Before getting started, review the following:
• Classification of Numbers (Section R.1, pp. 4–5) • Rationalizing Denominators (Section R.8, p. 45)

Now Work the ‘Are You Prepared?’ problems on page 111.

OBJECTIVES 1 Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide Complex Numbers (p. 105)
2 Solve Quadratic Equations in the Complex Number System (p. 109)

Complex Numbers
One property of a real number is that its square is nonnegative. For example, there
is no real number x for which
x2 = - 1
To remedy this situation, we introduce a new number called the imaginary unit.

DEFINITION The imaginary unit, which we denote by i, is the number whose square is - 1.
That is,

i2 = - 1

This should not surprise you. If our universe were to consist only of integers,
there would be no number x for which 2x = 1. This unfortunate circumstance was
1 2
remedied by introducing numbers such as and , the rational numbers. If our
2 3
universe were to consist only of rational numbers, there would be no x whose square
equals 2. That is, there would be no number x for which x2 = 2. To remedy this, we
introduced numbers such as 12 and 1 3 5, the irrational numbers. The real numbers,
you will recall, consist of the rational numbers and the irrational numbers. Now, if
our universe were to consist only of real numbers, then there would be no number
x whose square is -1. To remedy this, we introduce a number i, whose square is -1.
*This section may be omitted without any loss of continuity.