write an equation for each root

Question

How would you solve this with a fraction..??

8, -1/2

Answer 1

Hi Stephanie,

 

Do not let fractions or real numbers confuse you the answer is calculated the same way as if it were an integer.

 

When we have a number given as a root, you simply take the negative of the number after x in the equation and that defines the root. 

 

So we have 8 and -1/2.

 

8 would be represented by (x - 8)

 

-1/2 would be represented by (x + 1/2)

 

Then to complete we simply multiply them together and set equal to zero.  That is what a root means.  It is the place on a function where the value is zero.

 

Thus (x - 8)(x + 1/2) = 0.

 

The reason that you have to take the negative of the root for the equation is that (x - root) = 0, not (x + root).

 

I hope this helps.