SOLUTION: Having trouble with this problem. What two numbers multiply to get -1/6 and also add to get -1/6 Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Algebra ->  Numeric Fractions Calculators, Lesson and Practice -> SOLUTION: Having trouble with this problem. What two numbers multiply to get -1/6 and also add to get -1/6 Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.      Log On


   

Question 844662: Having trouble with this problem. What two numbers multiply to get -1/6 and also add to get -1/6
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
What two numbers multiply to get -1/6
a*b = -1%2F6
and also add to get -1/6
a + b = -1%2F6
a = (-1%2F6-b)
replace a in the 1st equation
(-1%2F6-b)*b = -1%2F6
multiply both sides by 6
6(-1%2F6-b)*b = -1
(-1-6b)*b = -1
-b - 6b^2 = -1
0 = 6b^2 + b - 1
Factors to
(3b-1(2b+1) = 0
two solutions
3b = 1
b = 1/3, then a = -1/2
and
2b = -1
b = -1/2 then a = 1/3
:
You can check and see if this is true?