SOLUTION: In the quadratic equation problem 3x^2 +3x - 2 = 0. How come the final answer where the b is -3 and the denominator is 6 can't be reduced to -1 over 2?

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: In the quadratic equation problem 3x^2 +3x - 2 = 0. How come the final answer where the b is -3 and the denominator is 6 can't be reduced to -1 over 2?      Log On


   

Question 399661: In the quadratic equation problem 3x^2 +3x - 2 = 0. How come the final answer where the b is -3 and the denominator is 6 can't be reduced to -1 over 2?
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
In the quadratic equation problem 3x^2 +3x - 2 = 0. How come the final answer where the b is -3 and the denominator is 6 can't be reduced to -1 over 2?
-----
It can as long as you remember that 6 is also the denominator
of sqrt(3^2-4*3*-2).
---
6 is a common denominator for -b and for sqrt(b^2-4ac)
======================
Cheers,
Stan H.