testing header
Math Goodies is a free math help portal for students, teachers, and parents.
Free Math
Newsletter		    
Interactive Math Goodies Software

Buy Math Goodies Software
Math Goodies on facebook
Math Goodies Blog
Math Forums @ Math Goodies
Math Forums @ Math Goodies
Home | Profile | Register | Active Topics | Members | Search | FAQ
Username:
 Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

 All Forums
 Homework Help Forums
 Standardized Test Preparation Help
 SAT Question #5		  New Topic  Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Author Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  

Haven
Senior Member

USA
28 Posts
Posted - 09/25/2008 :  08:52:23  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
The following information was given for the following problem:
mx + nx + 16 = 0

In the quadratic equation above, m and n are nonzero numbers. If the equation has only one solution, which of the following is equal to m in terms of n?

The following answers given were:

(a) m = n/2

(b) m = n/4

(c) m = n/16

(d) m = n/16

(e) m = n/ 64

I need an explanation on how to solve this type of problem. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Go to Top of Page

skeeter
Advanced Member

USA
5634 Posts
Posted - 09/25/2008 :  11:17:53  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
the general quadratic is ...

y = ax+bx+c

if y = 0, then x = [-b [sqrt(b-4ac)]/(2a)

further, if the quadratic equation has a single solution, then the discriminant, b-4ac, equals 0.

in your problem ...

a = m
b = n
c = 16

work with that info.
Go to Top of Page

Haven
Senior Member

USA
28 Posts
Posted - 09/25/2008 :  14:35:01  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Thanks again Skeeter. I thought about the general equation but for some reason the "m' and "n" threw me for a curve. Thanks again for all your help.
Go to Top of Page
  Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  
 New Topic  Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Jump To:
Math Forums @ Math Goodies © 2000-2004 Snitz Communications Go To Top Of Page
This page was generated in 0.04 seconds. Snitz Forums 2000
testing footer
About Us | Contact Us | Advertise with Us | Facebook | Blog | Recommend This Page




Copyright © 1998-2013 Mrs. Glosser's Math Goodies. All Rights Reserved.

A Hotchalk/Glam Partner Site - Last Modified 23 May 2013