how will you check your answer?

Question

x²-6x-41=0

Answer 1

Use the quadratic equation. 

 

a = 1

b = -6

c = -41

 

x = [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)] / (2a)

 

x = {-(-6) ± √[(-6)² - 4(1)(-41)]} / [2(1)]

 

You can simplify it further from here and get 2 solutions.  Check your answers by substitution into the original equation.

Answer 2

Since 41 is prime, you cannot factor this. The discriminant is not a perfect square. For these reasons, the zeros are irrational; one is positive, the other negative.

 

Use the quadratic formula, carefully. You can check either root by calculating it decimally, and then substituting into the given equation; you should get very close to zero (avoid rounding off--use all decimal places possible).