SOLUTION: The interval PQ has length p and the point A lies between the points P and Q. Find PA when PQ x QA = PA^2

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: The interval PQ has length p and the point A lies between the points P and Q. Find PA when PQ x QA = PA^2      Log On


   

Question 1139518: The interval PQ has length p and the point A lies between the points P and Q. Find PA when PQ x QA = PA^2
Answer by greenestamps(13198) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Given: PQ = p.

Let PA = x.

Then QA = p-x.

PQ%2AQA+=+%28PA%29%5E2
p%28p-x%29+=+x%5E2

This is a quadratic equation with variables instead of constants for coefficients. Use the quadratic formula to get an expression for the length of PA in terms of p.