Expert: Bobby Soltani - 10/23/2004

Question
I need your help on this problem you have to use the quadratic formula to solve the following step by step leave irrational root in simplest form.

1. 2x squared-3x+1=0

Answer
Hi Lindsey,

The quadratic formula is:

(-b +- SQRT(b^2 - 4ac))/(2a)

where a,b, and c are of the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0 and

+- means that there are two equations, one with a plus there and one with a minus.

Our problem is 2x^2-3x+1 = 0
so, a =2, b = -3, c = 1

Let's plug it in

(-(-3) +- SQRT(9-4*2*1))/(2*2)
=(3 +- 1)/4

Let's split the +- into two equations

1.  (3+1)/4
=4/4 = 1

2. (3-1)/4 = 2/4 = 1/2

So, the roots are 1/2 and 1.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Bobby