SOLUTION: can the roots of x^2-7x+4=0 be found by factoring? explain.

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: can the roots of x^2-7x+4=0 be found by factoring? explain.       Log On


   

Question 356863: can the roots of x^2-7x+4=0 be found by factoring? explain.
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
No, if you look at the discriminant,
D=b%5E2-4ac
D=49-4%281%29%284%29
D=49-16
D=33
Since it's not a perfect square, you will have two irrational roots.
To factor you need integer roots, which happen when the discriminant is a perfect square.