Math Problem Statement

Let α and β be the roots of the quadtraction equation 16x2+12x+c=0, where c is some unknown real number. Find all possible values of c give\alpha\text{ and }\beta\text{ be the roots of the quadtraction equation }16x^2+12x+c=0,\text{ where }c\text{ is some unknown real number. Find all possible values of }c\text{ give}

Solution

Given the quadratic equation 16x2+12x+c=016x^2 + 12x + c = 0, the roots of the equation are denoted by α\alpha and β\beta. We are required to find all possible values of cc.

Step 1: Use the sum and product of roots formulas

For a quadratic equation ax2+bx+c=0ax^2 + bx + c = 0, the sum and product of the roots can be given by: α+β=ba\alpha + \beta = -\frac{b}{a} αβ=ca\alpha \beta = \frac{c}{a} Here, a=16a = 16, b=12b = 12, and c=cc = c (unknown). Thus, we have: α+β=1216=34\alpha + \beta = -\frac{12}{16} = -\frac{3}{4} αβ=c16\alpha \beta = \frac{c}{16}

Step 2: Discriminant condition for real roots

For the roots α\alpha and β\beta to be real, the discriminant Δ\Delta of the quadratic equation must be non-negative. The discriminant for the equation 16x2+12x+c=016x^2 + 12x + c = 0 is given by: Δ=b24ac=1224×16×c\Delta = b^2 - 4ac = 12^2 - 4 \times 16 \times c Simplifying, we get: Δ=14464c\Delta = 144 - 64c For the roots to be real, we require Δ0\Delta \geq 0, so: 14464c0144 - 64c \geq 0 14464c144 \geq 64c c14464=94c \leq \frac{144}{64} = \frac{9}{4}

Step 3: Conclusion

The value of cc must satisfy c94c \leq \frac{9}{4} for the roots to be real.

Thus, all possible values of cc are c94c \leq \frac{9}{4}.


Would you like more details on any part of this solution or have any further questions?

Here are some related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How can we find the roots if cc is known?
  2. What happens if c>94c > \frac{9}{4}?
  3. Can we derive a specific value of cc for which the roots are equal?
  4. How does the discriminant determine the nature of the roots?
  5. How would the solution change if cc were negative?

Tip: Always check the discriminant when dealing with quadratic equations to determine the nature of the roots.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Quadratic Equations
Roots of Equations
Discriminant

Formulas

Quadratic equation solution formulas
Sum and product of roots formulas
Discriminant formula

Theorems

Quadratic formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12