how do you solve 3x^2-2x-3=0

Question

It should be answered in three significant figures.

Answer 1

You solve it by using the quadratic formula.  You should know what it is, or at least be able to look it up.  Then just plug in the numbers and compute.

Answer 2

Here's the quadratic formula:

x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac))/2a

 

x = (2 ± √(4 - (4 * 3 * -3)))/(2 * 3)

x = (2 ± √(4 - (-36)))/6

x = (2 ± √(4 + 36))/6

x = (2 ± √40)/6

x = (2 ± √(4*10)/6

x = (2 ± 2√10)/6

 

If you want to remain accurate, then those are the answers. Otherwise if you want a more simplistic answer...

x ≈ (2 ± 6.324)/6

x ≈ ^8.324/₆ , -^4.324/₆

x ≈ 1.38733333.... -0.7206666....