Math Problem Statement

Find the value of p and the value of q from the equation 4x - 5 - x^2 = q - (x + p)^2, where p and q are integers.

Solution

Let's solve the given equation step by step. The equation is:

4x5x2=q(x+p)24x - 5 - x^2 = q - (x + p)^2

We need to find the values of pp and qq, where they are integers.

Step 1: Expand the right-hand side

Expand (x+p)2(x + p)^2 on the right-hand side:

(x+p)2=x2+2px+p2(x + p)^2 = x^2 + 2px + p^2

Substitute this into the equation:

4x5x2=q(x2+2px+p2)4x - 5 - x^2 = q - (x^2 + 2px + p^2)

Step 2: Simplify the equation

Distribute the negative sign on the right-hand side:

4x5x2=qx22pxp24x - 5 - x^2 = q - x^2 - 2px - p^2

Now move all the terms involving xx and constants to one side of the equation:

4x5x2+x2+2px+p2=q4x - 5 - x^2 + x^2 + 2px + p^2 = q

This simplifies to:

4x+2px+(p25)=q4x + 2px + (p^2 - 5) = q

Step 3: Compare coefficients

Now compare the coefficients of like terms on both sides of the equation. On the left-hand side, the coefficient of xx is 4+2p4 + 2p, and the constant term is p25p^2 - 5.

On the right-hand side, the equation is equal to qq. Hence, we have two conditions:

  1. 4+2p=04 + 2p = 0 (the coefficient of xx must be zero)
  2. p25=qp^2 - 5 = q (the constant term must equal qq)

Step 4: Solve for pp and qq

From 4+2p=04 + 2p = 0:

Solve for pp:

2p=4p=22p = -4 \quad \Rightarrow \quad p = -2

Substitute p=2p = -2 into p25=qp^2 - 5 = q:

(2)25=q45=qq=1(-2)^2 - 5 = q \quad \Rightarrow \quad 4 - 5 = q \quad \Rightarrow \quad q = -1

Final Answer:

The values of pp and qq are: p=2andq=1p = -2 \quad \text{and} \quad q = -1

Let me know if you'd like more details, or if you have any further questions!

Here are some related questions to explore:

  1. What happens if pp is a fraction instead of an integer?
  2. How would you solve this if the powers of xx were higher than 2?
  3. What role does comparing coefficients play in solving equations like this?
  4. Can you explain why the method of comparing coefficients works?
  5. How would the solution change if we added a term involving x3x^3 on both sides?

Tip: Always check your final answers by plugging them back into the original equation to ensure accuracy.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Quadratic Equations
Equation Expansion
Comparing Coefficients

Formulas

Expansion of (x + p)^2 = x^2 + 2px + p^2
Comparing coefficients: 4 + 2p = 0 and p^2 - 5 = q

Theorems

Equation expansion and comparing coefficients

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11