Chapter 6

QUADRATIC EQUATIONS
6.1 THE QUADRATIC EQUATION

 A quadratic equation is an equation expressed in the form of :

ax2 + bx + c = 0

wherein a, b, and c are constants with a ≠ 0. This is also called a second degree
equation in “x”.

Examples are :

3x2 + 2x + 1 = 0 x2 – 2x + 9 = 0 4x2 – 3x = 0

Equations such as

2 – x + x2 = 3x2 – 4 9x2 – 3 = 2x 4x2 – 6 = 0

that can be reduced to or put in the form ax2 + bx + c = 0 are also said to quadratic.

 An important operation on the quadratic equation is that of finding the solution set or
roots of the equation. If the first degree term (x) is missing, the roots can be readily
obtained by taking square roots.

6.1.1 FINDING THE ROOTS OF THE QUADRATIC EQUATION BY FACTORING

In chapter 3, the factoring of the different types of equations has been

discussed. These methods of factoring can be used in the finding of the roots of
quadratic equations.

● Finding the Root/s of Perfect Square Quadratic Equations

A perfect square quadratic equation has the form :

1. x2 + 2ax + a2 = 0
(x + a) (x + a) = 0
x+a=0
x=–a

2. x2 – 2ax + a2 = 0
(x – a) (x – a) = 0
x–a=0
x=a

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 106

 Examples : Find the roots of the following perfect square quadratic equations.

1. x2 + 4x + 4 = 0

Solution :

Testing whether the given equation is a perfect square quadratic equation :

2ax = 4x, 2a = 4, a = 2, a2 = 4, the equation is a perfect square quadratic

equation and so the root is : x = – 2.

2. x2 – 6x + 9 = 0

Solution :

Testing whether the given equation is a perfect square quadratic equation :

– 2ax = – 6x, 2a = 6, a = 3, a2 = 9, the equation is thus a perfect square

quadratic equation and so the root is : x = 3.

3. 9x2 + 6x + 1 = 0

Solution :

Dividing the equation by 9 so that the coefficient of “x2” becomes 1 :

x2 + 2/3 x + 1/9 = 0

Testing whether this equation is a perfect square quadratic equation :

2ax = 2/3 x, 2a = 2/3, a = 1/3, a2 = 1/9, the equation is a perfect square

quadratic equation and so the root is : x = – 1/3.

4. 4x2 + 3x + 1 = 0

Solution :

Dividing the equation by 4 so that the coefficient of “x 2” becomes 1 :

x2 + (3/4) x + ¼ = 0

Testing whether this equation is a perfect square quadratic equation :

2ax = ¾ x, 2a = ¾ , a = 3/8, a2 = 9/64 ≠ 1, the equation is not a perfect square

quadratic equation and there is another method to find its roots.

5. x2 – 2x – 1 = 0

Comparing with the second form (2) of a perfect square quadratic equation,
the given equation is not a perfect square quadratic equation because the
third term is negative.

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 107

 ● Finding the Roots of Quadratic Equations with Distinct Factors

To factor quadratic equations which are not perfect squares or quadratic

equations with distinct factors, the formula given in the discussion of special
products will be reversed as follows :

ac x2 + (ad + bc) x + bd = (ax + b) (cx + d)

ac x2 – (ad + bc) x + bd = (ax – b) (cx – d)

ac x2 + (ad + bc) x – bd = (ax – b) (cx + d), ad ˃ bc

ac x2 – (ad + bc) x – bd = (ax – b) (cx + d), bc ˃ ad

In this factoring procedure, there is a need to find the integral values for “a”, “b”,
“c”, and “d” from the known values in the quadratic equation of “ac”, “ad”,
“bc”, and “bd”. If the values of a, b, c, and d exist, the quadratic equation is
factorable; otherwise, the quadratic equation is not factorable by this procedure.
Factoring of quadratic equations with distinct factors is more difficult than the
factoring of perfect square quadratic equations because there are a lot of
possible combinations of coefficients wherein only one (1) combination will
satisfy the values of ac, (ad + bc), and bd.

Examples : Find the roots of the following quadratic equations with distinct
factors.

1. x2 + 4x + 3 = 0

Solution :

Matching the coefficients of the quadratic equation, ac = 1, ad + bc = 4,

and bd = 3. For ac = 1, there is only 1 possible pair of factor : a = 1 and c = 1.
For bd = 3, there is also only one possible pair of factor : b = 1 and d = 3.
With these, ad + bc = 1(3) + 1(1) = 4 and so

x2 + 4x + 3 = [1(x) + 1] [1(x) + 3] = 0

(x + 1) (x + 3) = 0

If x + 1 = 0, x = – 1

If x + 3 = 0, x = – 3

So the roots of x2 + 4x + 3 = 0 are (– 1, – 3).

2. 2x2 + 5x + 3 = 0

Solution :

Matching the coefficients of the quadratic equation, ac = 2, ad + bc = 5,

and bd = 3. For ac = 2, there is only 1 possible pair of factor : a = 1 and c = 2.

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 108

 For bd = 3, there is also only one possible pair of factor : b = 1 and d = 3.
With these, ad + bc = 1(3) + 1(2) = 5 and so
2x2 + 5x + 3 = [1(x) + 1] [2(x) + 3] = 0

(x + 1) (2x + 3) = 0

If x + 1 = 0, x = – 1

If 2x + 3 = 0, x = – 3/2

So the roots of 2x2 + 5x + 3 = 0 are (– 1, – 3/2).

3. 6x2 + 7x – 20 = 0

Solution :

Matching the coefficients of the quadratic equation, ac = 6, ad + bc = 7,

and bd = – 20.

For ac = 6, there are 2 possible pairs of factor :

a = 3, c = 2 and a = 1, c = 6.

For bd = – 20, there are 3 possible pairs of factor :

b = 4, d = – 5; b = 1, d = – 20; and b = 2, d = – 10 .

With these, try different combinations a, b, c, d until the value of ad + bc = 7.

Trial combinations :

a = 3, c = 2, b = 4, d = – 5 ►►► ad + bc = 3(– 5) + 4 ( 2) = – 7, cannot be !

a = 3, c = 2, b = – 4, d = 5 ►►► 3(5) + (– 4) (2) = 7, okay !

And so :

6x2 + 7x – 20 = (3x – 4) (2x + 5) = 0

(3x – 4) (2x + 5) = 0

If 3x – 4 = 0, x = 4/3

If 2x + 5 = 0, x = – 5/2

So the roots of 6x2 + 7x – 20 = 0 are (4/3, – 5/2).

4. 12x2 – 13x – 35 = 0

Solution :

Matching the coefficients of the quadratic equation, ac = 12, ad + bc = –13,

and bd = – 35.

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 109

 For ac = 12, there are 3 possible pairs of factor :
a = 3, c = 4; a = 6, c = 2; and a = 12, c = 1.

For bd = – 35, there are 2 possible pairs of factor :

b = 7, d = – 5 and b = 35, d = – 1.

With these, try different combinations a, b, c, d until the value of ad + bc = –

13.

Trial combinations :

a = 3, c = 4, b = 7, d = – 5 ►►► ad + bc = 3(– 5) + 7 ( 4) = 13, cannot be !

a = 3, c = 4, b = – 7, d = 5 ►►► 3(5) + (– 7) (4) = – 13 , okay !

And so :

12x2 – 13x – 35 = (3x – 7) (4x + 5) = 0

(3x – 7) (4x + 5) = 0

If 3x – 7 = 0, x = 7/3

If 4x + 5 = 0, x = – 5/4

So the roots of 12x2 – 13x – 35 = 0 are (7/3, – 5/4).

5. 72x2 – 43x + 6 = 0

Solution :

Matching the coefficients of the quadratic equation, ac = 72, ad + bc = –43,

and bd = 6.

For ac = 72, there are 5 possible pairs of factor :

a = 9, c = 8; a = 12, c = 6; a = 36, c = 2; a = 24, c = 3 and a = 72, c = 1.

For bd = 6, there are 2 possible pairs of factor :

b = – 3 , d = – 2 and b = – 6, d = – 1.

With these, try different combinations a, b, c, d until the value of ad + bc = –

43.

Trial combinations :

a = 72, c = 1, b = – 6, d = –1 ►►► ad + bc = 72(– 1) + (– 6) ( 1) = – 78, can’t

be !

a = 9, c = 8, b = – 3, d = – 2 ►►► 9(– 2) + (– 3) (8) = – 42 , cannot be !

a = 9, c = 8, b = – 2, d = – 3 ►►► 9(– 3) + (– 2) (8) = – 43 , okay !

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 110

 And so :

72x2 – 43x + 6 = (9x – 2) (8x – 3) = 0

(9x – 2) (8x – 3) = 0

If 9x – 2 = 0, x = 9/2

If 8x – 3 = 0, x = 3/8

So the roots of 72x2 – 43x + 6 = 0 are (9/2, 3/8).

6. 9x2 – 36 = 0

Solution :

Matching the coefficients of the quadratic equation, ac = 9 and bd = 36.

The equation does not have a middle term (x term). To make the coefficient
of “x2” equal to 1, the equation is divided by 9 and so

x2 – 4 = 0

x2 – 22 = 0

This equation is a case of difference between two squares and in factoring it

has been taught that for this kind of equation :

x2 – a2 = (x – a) (x + a)

Thus,

x2 – 22 = 0

(x – 2) (x + 2) = 0

If x – 2 = 0, x = 2

If x + 2 = 0, x = – 2

So the roots of 9x2 – 36 = 0 are (2, – 2).

6.1.2 FINDING THE ROOTS OF THE QUADRATIC EQUATION BY FORMULA

The best way to find the roots of a quadratic equation is by factoring, if the
factoring can be done easily. Some equations, however, do not yield real linear
factors, and in other equations, the factors, though real, msy not be easily
discovered especially if the coefficients of the quadratic equation (a, b, c) have
more than one possible pairs of factors. Hence, there is a need for a practicable
procedure that is aspplicable to any quadratic equation of the form ax2 + bx + c = 0.
That is, the roots of this equation can be found by using the coefficients a, b, & c in
a formula. For this purpose a formula has been derived as follows :

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 111

 To complete the square of the left side of the quadratic equation, add to both
sides -

( ) √

±√

This procedure of finding the roots of the quadratic equation is termed completing
the square (of the left side of the equation). This equation derived is called
quadratic formula. By substituting the coefficients a, b, and c, the roots of the
quadratic equation can be easily found. So, using the quadratic formula, the roots
or solution set of a quadratic equation is :

√ √
and

By the way, the formula yields real values of x1 and x2 when b2 – 4ac ˃ 0. But when
b2 – 4ac ˂ 0, the values of x1 and x2 becomes imaginary since the square root of a
negative number is imaginary (√

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 112

 Examples :

1. By the completing square, find the roots of x2 + 5x + 6 = 0.

Solution :

x2 + 5x + 6 = 0

x2 + 5x = – 6

To complete the square of the left side, add (5/2) 2 = 25/4

x2 + 5x + (5/2)2 = – 6 + (5/2)2

x2 + 5x + (5/2)2 = – 6 + 25/4

x2 + 5x + (5/2)2 =

=±√

and

and

The solution set of the quadratic equation x2 + 5x + 6 = 0 is (– 2, – 3).

2. By the completing square, find the roots of 2x 2 – 6x + 3 = 0.

Solution :

2x2 – 6x + 3 = 0

x2 – 3x + 3/2 = 0

x2 – 3x = – 3/2

To complete the square of the left side, add (– 3/2)2 = 9/4

x2 – 3x + 9/4 = – 3/2 + 9/4

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 113

 x2 – 3x + (– 3/2)2 =

=±√

√ √
and

√ √
and

The solution set of the quadratic equation x2 + 5x + 6 = 0 is

√ √
( .

3. By the completing square, find the roots of 12x2 + x = 1.

Solution :

12x2 + x = 1

12x2 + x – 1 = 0

x2 + (1/12) x – 1/12 = 0

x2 + (1/12) x = 1/12

To complete the square of the left side, add (1/24)2 = 1/576

x2 + (1/12)x + (1/24)2 = 1/12 + 1/576

x2 + (1/12) x + (1/24)2 =

=±√

and

and

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 114

 The solution set of the quadratic equation 12x2 + x = 1 is (1/4, – 1/3).

4. By the quadratic formula, find the roots of x2 + 5x + 6 = 0.

Solution :

The quadratic formula is expressed as :

Comparing the given equation x2 + 5x + 6 = 0 with the standard quadratic

equation, ax2 + bx + c, the values of the coefficients can be determined as –

a = 1, b = 5, c = 6

Substituting these values in the quadratic equation :

and

and

The solution set of the quadratic equation x2 + 5x + 6 = 0 is (– 2, – 3).

5. By the quadratic formula, find the roots of 6x2 + 1 = 5x.

Solution :

The quadratic formula is expressed as :

Writing the given equation following the required format of a quadratic equation :

6x2 – 5x + 1 = 0

Comparing the given equation 6x2 – 5x + 1 = 0 with the standard quadratic

equation, ax2 + bx + c, the values of the coefficients can be determined as –

a = 6, b = – 5 c = 1

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 115

 Substituting these values in the quadratic equation :

and

and

The solution set of the quadratic equation 6x2– 5x + 1 = 0 is (½, ⅓).

6. By the quadratic formula, find the roots of 8x2 + 10x +1 = 0.

Solution :

The quadratic formula is expressed as :

Comparing the given equation 8x2 + 10x +1 = 0 with the standard quadratic
equation, ax2 + bx + c, the values of the coefficients can be determined as –

a = 8, b = 10 c = 1

Substituting these values in the quadratic equation :

√ √
and

√ √
and

The solution set of the quadratic equation 8x2 + 10x +1 = 0 is

√ √
(

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 116

 7. By the quadratic formula, find the roots of 11x2 – 20x + 8 = 0.

Solution :

The quadratic formula is expressed as :

Comparing the given equation 11x2 – 20x + 8 = 0 with the standard quadratic
equation, ax2 + bx + c, the values of the coefficients can be determined as –

a = 11, b = – 20, c = 8

Substituting these values in the quadratic equation :

√ √
and

√ √
and

The solution set of the quadratic equation 11x2 – 20x + 8 = 0 is

√ √
(

8. By the quadratic formula, find the roots of 15x2 – 20x + 8 = 0.

Solution :

The quadratic formula is expressed as :

Comparing the given equation 15x2 – 20x + 8 = 0 with the standard quadratic
equation, ax2 + bx + c, the values of the coefficients can be determined as –

a = 15, b = – 20, c = 8

Substituting these values in the quadratic equation :

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 117

 √

2
But – 1 = i

√ √
and

√ √
and

The solution set of the quadratic equation 15x2 – 20x + 8 = 0 is

√ √
(

 Exercises

A. Find the roots of the following perfect square quadratic equations.

1. x2 + 16x + 64 = 0 2. x2 – 50x + 625 = 0

2
3. 25x + 30x + 9 = 0 4. 16x2 – 56x + 49 = 0
+
B. Find the roots of the following quadratic equations with distinct factors by
factoring.

1. 7x2 – 11x = 0 2. 12x2 + 5x = 2

3. 18x2 + 3 = 29x 4. x2 – 9x + 8 = 0
5. 6x2 + 11x = – 3 6. 2x2 + 3 = 5x
7. 8x2 = 14x – 5 8. 2x2 + 10x + 9 = 0
9. 4x2 – 11x – 3 = 0 10. 3x2 – 7x + 2 = 0

C. Find the roots of the following quadratic equations by completing the square.

1. x2 – x – 20 = 0 2. x2 – x – 72 = 0
3. 6x2 + 7x + 1 = 0 4. 2x2 + 5x + 2 = 0
5. 2x2 – 5x + 1 = 0 6. x2 + 8x + 25 = 0
7. 2x2 + 10x + 9 = 0 8. 3x2 – 6x + 5 = 0
9. 4x2 – 8x – 3 = 0 10. 5x2 + 20x – 5 = 0

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 118

 D. Find the roots of the following quadratic equations by the quadratic formula.

1. 3x2 – 2x – 5 = 0 2. 3x2 – 10x + 4 = 0

3. 4x2 + 9x + 3 = 0 4. 5x2 – 12x + 10 = 0
5. 6x2 – 5x – 1 = 0 6. 7x2 + 13x + 7 = 0
7. 8x2 + 10x + 1 = 0 8. 9x2 + 10x + 2 = 0
9. 11x2 – 20x + 8 = 0 10. 13x2 + 16x + 6 = 0

6.2 WORD PROBLEMS INVOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATIONS

 In Chapter 5, word problems convertible to linear equations of one, two and three
variables were tackled and solutions were presented. At this point, the worded
problems that will be introduced are those which result to quadratic equations solvable
by any of the procedures for finding the roots of quadratic equations discussed.
However, sometimes only one root of the equation has meaning in such problems, and
a root which does not satisfy the conditions of the problem must be rejected. It is
therefore essential to examine the roots to determine if one or both can be used.

 Although there is no straightforward and hard rule/s in solving word problems, the
following strategy for solving word problems may be undertaken :

1. Read the problem carefully to determine what you are being asked to find.
2. Sketch the given situation in the problem.
3. Represent each unknown numerical quantity using a representative variable, and
specify precisely what the variable represents.
4. If necessary, condense the problem into a word equation. Then using the variable
from Step 2, translate the word equation into an algebraic equation.
5. Solve this equation and answer the question asked by the problem.
6. Check the reasonableness of your answer.

 Examples

1. A rectangular pasture is to be fenced along four sides and divided into three parts by
two fences parallel to one of the sides. Find the dimensions of the pasture if the total
amount of fencing is 800 meters and the area of the pasture is 19, 200 square
meters.

Solution :

 Represent the unknown number with a variable

Let W = the width of the rectangle

L = length of the rectangle

 Sketching the given

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 119

 W W W W

 The word equations

1. The amount of fencing is 800 meters.

2. The area is 19,200 sq. meters

 Translate the word equation into an algebraic equation using the variable and the
appropriate signs of operation.

2L + 4W = 800
L + 2W = 400 . . . . . Eqn. 1

L * W = 19,200 . . . . Eqn. 2

 Solve the equation

From equation 1 . . . . . L = 400 – 2W

Substitute in Equation 2

(400 – 2W) (W) = 19,200

400W – 2W2 = 19,200

– 2W2 + 400W = 19,200

2W2 – 400W + 19,200 = 0

W2 – 200W + 9,600 = 0

By quadratic equation with a = 1, b = – 200, c = 9,600

and

and

 Check

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 120

 If W = 120, L = 400 – 2W = 400 – 2(120) = 160, ok !
If W = 80, L = 400 – 2(80) = 240, ok !

 Answer

There are two possible answers : L= 160 and W = 120 or L = 240 and W = 80.

2. The product of two consecutive odd integers is 143. Find the numbers.

Solution :

 Represent the unknown number with a variable

Let x = the first odd integer

x + 2 = the second odd integer

 The word equations

The product of two consecutive odd integers is 143

 Translate the word equation into an algebraic equation using the variable and the
appropriate signs of operation.

x (x + 2) = 143

 Solve the equation

x2 + 2x – 143 = 0

By quadratic equation with a = 1, b = 2, c = – 143

and

and

 Check

If x = 11, x+ 2 = 13
x (x+2) = 11 (13) = 143, ok !

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 121

  Answer

The two consecutive odd numbers are 11 and 13.

3. A car travels 20 miles per hour faster than a truck. The car goes 360 miles in 3
hours less time than the truck goes 360 miles. Find the speed of each vehicle.

Solution :

 Represent the unknown number with a variable

Let c = be the speed of the car

t = be the speed of the truck

 The word equations

1. A car travels 20 miles per hour faster than a truck

2. The car goes 360 miles in 3 hours less time than the truck goes 360 miles

 Translate the word equations into an algebraic equation using the variable and the
appropriate signs of operation.

c = t + 20 ..... Eqn. 1
360 / c + 3 = 360 / t ..... Eqn. 2

 Solve the equation

Substitute eqn. 1 in eqn 2

(420 + 3t) t = 360 (t + 20)

420t + 3t2 = 360t + 7200

3t2 + 60t – 7200 = 0

t2 + 20t – 2400 = 0

By quadratic equation with a = 1, b = 20, c = – 2400

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 122

 √

and

and

 Check

If t = 40, c = t + 20 = 40 + 20 = 60
360 / 60 + 3 = 360 / 40
6 + 3 = 9, ok !

 Answer

The speed of the car and truck are 60 and 40 miles per hour, respectively.

4. Some students chartered a bus for P 4,000 to go on a trip to a football game. The
cost of the bus is to be divided equally among those attending. Later, 5 more
students joined the group, and this reduced the cost per student by P 40. Find how
many students made the trip.

Solution :

 Represent the unknown number with a variable

Let n = be the original number of students who planned to attend the trip.
n + 5 = the number of students who made the trip

 The word equations

Some students chartered a bus for P 4,000 to go on a trip to a football game.

The cost of the bus is to be divided equally among those attending. Later, 5
more students joined the group, and this reduced the cost per student by P
40.

 Translate the word equations into an algebraic equation using the variable and the
appropriate signs of operation.

Amount of Original Fare – 40 = Actual Cost of Fare

 Solve the equation

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 123

 (4000 – 40n) (n + 5) = 4000n

4000n + 20000 – 40n2 – 200n = 4000n

– 40n2 – 200n + 20000 = 0

n2 + 5n – 500 = 0

By quadratic equation with a = 1, b = 5, c = – 500

and

and

 Check

If n = 20, n + 5 = 20 + 5 = 25
4000/n – 40 = 4000/(n+5)
4000/20 – 40 = 4000/25
200 – 40 = 160
160 = 160

 Answer

There were 25 students who made it to trip.

 Exercises

1. The parks commission wants a new rectangular sign with an area of 25 sq. m. for the
visitor center. The length of the sign is to be 4 m longer than the width. To the
nearest tenth of a meter, what will be the length and thr width of the sign ?

2. The sum of a number and its square is 56. Find the number.

3. The length of the base of a triangle is 4 times its altitude. If the area of the triangle is
162 sq. cm., find the altitude.

4. If the sides of a square are increased by 3 cm, its area becomes 100 sq. cm. Find
the length of the sides of the original square.

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 124

 5. Cindy and Olaf leave the same point at the same time. Cindy is bicycling west at the
rate of 2 mi/hr faster than Olaf, who is traveling south. After one hour, they are 10
miles apart. How fast is each person traveling ?

6. Working alone, Coleen can paint a house in 2 hours less than James. Working
together, they can paint the house in 10 hours. How long would it take James to
paint the house by himself ?

7. The Math Club bought a P 3,600 calculator for club use. It there has been 2 more
students in the club, each would have had to contribute P 25 less. How many
students were in the club ?

8. Pipe A can fill a tank in 4 hours. Pipe B can fill the tank in 9 hours less than the time
it takes for pipe C, a drain pipe, to empty the tank. When all pipes are open, it takes
2 hours to fill the tank. How much time is required for pipe C to empty the tank if
pipes A and B are closed ?

6.2 EQUATIONS IN QUADRATIC FORM

 There are equations which are not quadratic, but which can be reduced to a quadratic
by the substitution of a new variable.

 Examples

1. Find the roots of the equation y4 – 3y2 – 4 = 0.

Solution :

Let x = y2 and substituting the equation becomes quadratic

x2 – 3x2 – 4 = 0

By the quadratic formula with a = 1, b = – 3 and c = – 4

and

Back to the y variable :

For x1 : y2 = 2, y = ±√

For x2 : y2 = – 1 = i2, y = ± i

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 125

 The roots of the equation are (±√

2. Find the roots of the equation y – 2y1/2 – 15.

Solution :

Let x = y1/2 and substituting the equation becomes quadratic

x2 – 2x – 15 = 0

By the quadratic formula with a = 1, b = – 2 and c = – 15

and

Back to the y variable :

For x1 : y = 52, y = 25

For x2 : y = (– 3)2 = 9

The roots of the equation are (25, 9

3. Find the roots of the equation

Solution :

Let and substituting in the original equation yields to

x2 + 7x – 30 = 0

By the quadratic formula with a = 1, b = 7 and c = – 30

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 126

 and

Back to the y variable :

For x1 : y =

For x2 : y =

The roots of the equation are (5/2, 4/5

4. Find the roots of the equation y– 4 – 8y– 2 – 9 = 0.

Solution :

Let x = y– 2 and substituting the equation becomes quadratic

x2 – 8x – 9 = 0

By the quadratic formula with a = 1, b = – 8 and c = – 9

and

Back to the y variable :

For x1 : y = x– ½ , y = 9– ½ = ±1/3

For x2 : y = (– 1)– ½ = ± 1/i

The roots of the equation are (±1/3, ±1/i

 Exercises

Solve the following equations :

1. 4y4 – 5y2 + 1 = 0 2. x – x1/2 – 30 = 0

3. x4/3 – 5x2/3 + 4 = 0 4. x1/2 – 3x– ½ + 2 = 0

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 127

 5. (2y2 + y)2 = 4 (2y2 + y) – 3 6. (y2 + 2y) – (y2 + 2y)1/2 – 2 = 0

7. ( ( 8.

6.3 EQUATIONS CONTAINING RADICALS

 An equation in which the variable appears under a radical sign is called a radical or
irrational equation. At this point, equations with second order radicals will be solved.

 The steps for solving second order radical equations are :

1. Arrange the members of the equation so that a single radical constitutes one
member.
2. Eliminate this radical by squaring both members of the equation.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2, if necessary, until an equation free of radicals is obtained.
4. Solve the resulting equation and check all of its roots in the given equation. Reject
any extraneous root/s.

 Examples

1. Solve the equation √

Solution :

(√ )2

Check :

If x = 2, √ √ , ok !

If x = – 2, √ √ , ok !

Answers :

The solution set are (– 2, 2).

2. Solve the equation √ √

Solution :

√ √

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 128

 √ √

(√ √ )2

Check :

√ √

3. Solve the equation √ √

Solution :

√ √

√ √
2
(√ √

2x + 9 = 4 + 4 √ +x+1

2x + 9 – x – 4 – 1 = 4 √

x+4=4√

(x + 4 = 4 √ )2

x2 + 8x + 16 = 16x + 16

x2 + 8x – 16x + 16 – 16 = 0

x2 – 8x = 0

x (x – 8) = 0

If x = 0, x = 0

If x – 8 = 0, x = 8

Check :

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 129

 If x = 0, √ √ √ √

If x = 8, √ √ √ √
Answer :

The solution set of the equation is (0, 8).

4. Solve the equation Solve the equation √ √ √

Solution :

√ √ √

√ √ √

√ √ √ )2

5 – 2x = 2 – x + 2 √ √

5 – 2x – 2 + x – 3 + x = 2 √ √

0=2√ √

(2 √ √ = 0)2

4 (2 – x)(3 – x) = 0

(2 – x)(3 – x) = 0

If 2 – x = 0, x = 2

If 3 – x = 0, x = 3

Check :

x = 2, √ √ √ ,
√ √ √
√ √ =√
1 = 1, ok !

x = 3, √ √ √
√ √ √
√ √ =0

Answer :

The solution set of the equation is (2, 3).

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 130

  Exercises

Solve the following radical equations. Check your results.

1. √ =x+1 2. √ √

3. √ √ 4. √ √

5. √ √ √ 6. √ √ √

7. √ √ √ =0 8. √ √ √ √

Chapter 6, Workbook in College Algebra by Benjamin D. Varela (June 2020) 131