Emily W.

asked • 06/03/15

Applications with quadratic eqs

A student opens a book to two facing pages. The product of the pages is 812. Find the page numbers.

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Inactive Tutor answered • 06/03/15

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x(x + 1) = 812
x2 + x = 812
x2 + x - 812 = 0
(x + 29)(x - 28) = 0
 
{-29, 28}
 
The pages are numbered 28 and 29.
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Inactive Tutor

Please permit an insertion for more detail:
      {-29, 28}
      And x cannot be negative, so x=28
              x+1 = 29
The pages are numbered 28 and 29.
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06/03/15

Inactive Tutor

Pardon my assumption that no one has seen a negatively numbered page.
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06/03/15

Inactive Tutor

Additionally x, as a variable, can be any number unless prior restrictions are stated.
-29 is a legitimate solution to the equation, to the algebra. Is is not a sensible answer the the question.
This is a situation often presented by teachers of mathematics.
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06/03/15

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