SOLUTION: They gave me this word problem: I'm thinking of a number. The square of this number is the same as the number times 4. What could my number be? I'm lost i have no clue how to w

Algebra ->  Human-and-algebraic-language -> SOLUTION: They gave me this word problem: I'm thinking of a number. The square of this number is the same as the number times 4. What could my number be? I'm lost i have no clue how to w      Log On


   



Question 257988: They gave me this word problem:
I'm thinking of a number. The square of this number is the same as the number times 4. What could my number be?
I'm lost i have no clue how to write the equation. If you help me i would be very greatful. Please and thank you.

Found 2 solutions by Edwin McCravy, richwmiller:
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20056) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Let the number be x

The other tutor's solution is incorrect because he did the no-no
of dividing an equation through by the variable x.  When you do that
you lose a solution.  He lost the solution 0. His no-no was as bad
if not worse than your misspelling "grateful".  J


x squared equals x times four

x%5E2=x%2A4

x%5E2=4x

x%5E2-4x=0

x%28x-4%29=0

Use the zero factor principle:

Setting the first factor x equal 0 gives

x=0

Setting the second factor %28x-4%29 equal to 0 gives:

x-4=0
x=4

So the number could be 0 or 4.

Edwin

Answer by richwmiller(17219) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x be the number.
"The square of the number" would be x^2
"is the same as" means =
"the number times 4" means 4x
So putting it all together we get x^2=4x
x^2=4x
So now we solve it for x (our number)
Divide both sides by x.
x=4
The number is 4.
PS grateful not greatful. You will have gratitude not be great.