Michael B. answered 04/05/13
Seasoned and experienced tutor with extensive science background
3x2 + 2x - 16 = 0
a = 3
b = 2
c = -16
x = [-b ± √(b2 - 4ac)]/2a
b2 - 4ac = 4 - (4*3*-16) = 196
x = (-2 ± √196)/6
x = (-2 + 14)/6 = 12/6 = 2
x = (-2 - 14)/6 = -16/6 = -8/3
Check your solutions by plugging them back in to the original equation
3*4 + 2*2 -16 = 0
16 - 16 = 0
and
3*(64/9) + 2*(8/3) - 16 = 0
192/9 - 16/3 - 16 = 0
64/3 - 16/3 - 48/3 = 0
64/3 - 64/3 = 0