4.3 Solving 3x2-2x-1 = 0 by the Quadratic Formula .
According to the Quadratic Formula, x , the solution for Ax2+Bx+C = 0 , where A, B and C are numbers, often called coefficients, is given by :
- B ± √ B2-4AC
x = ————————
2A
In our case, A = 3
B = -2
C = -1
Accordingly, B2 - 4AC =
4 - (-12) =
16
Applying the quadratic formula :
2 ± √ 16
x = —————
6
Two real solutions:
x =(2+√16)/6
or:
x =(2-√16)/6