SOLUTION: I am having some difficulty with quadratic equations. The problem is, I don't understand the steps I should take to get the correct answer. Could you possibly show me each step I s

Algebra.Com
Question 361402: I am having some difficulty with quadratic equations. The problem is, I don't understand the steps I should take to get the correct answer. Could you possibly show me each step I should take to find the anwer? I appreciate anyone and everyone's help!
Section 11.4, #6
Direction: Solve the equation by making an appropriate substitution.
(2x-4 )^2-6(2x-4)-7=0 (it should say (2x-4) squared)
The correct answer according to the book is: {3/2. 11/2}

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Start with the given equation.


FOIL


Distribute.


Combine like terms.


Now let's solve the equation using the quadratic formula.


For more help with the Quadratic Formula, check out this solver

Solved by pluggable solver: Quadratic Formula
Let's use the quadratic formula to solve for x:


Starting with the general quadratic





the general solution using the quadratic equation is:







So lets solve ( notice , , and )





Plug in a=4, b=-28, and c=33




Negate -28 to get 28




Square -28 to get 784 (note: remember when you square -28, you must square the negative as well. This is because .)




Multiply to get




Combine like terms in the radicand (everything under the square root)




Simplify the square root (note: If you need help with simplifying the square root, check out this solver)




Multiply 2 and 4 to get 8


So now the expression breaks down into two parts


or


Lets look at the first part:





Add the terms in the numerator

Divide


So one answer is






Now lets look at the second part:





Subtract the terms in the numerator

Divide


So another answer is




So our solutions are:

or


RELATED QUESTIONS

I am in serious need of help with quadratic equations. If someone could be so kind as to... (answered by Fombitz)
I am having difficulty trying to simplify radical equations that use exponents. The... (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)
I am having difficulty with this graphing problem because when I enter the equation i get (answered by ewatrrr)
I have a test tomorrow and am having a lot of trouble with quadratic equations. i... (answered by jim_thompson5910)
Hi, My sister has an exam tomorrow and I am helping her study.We are having a problem... (answered by jim_thompson5910)
I am doing quadratic equations, the problem is {{{ X^2-x-12 }}} I understand most of it... (answered by Alan3354,jim_thompson5910)
If f(x) = 5x - 1, Find the following: f(a - 2). I am having some difficulty... (answered by Earlsdon)
Hello, I am having problems understanding the steps used to solve equations using the... (answered by jim_thompson5910,ankor@dixie-net.com)