Solving the Quadratic Equation: (2x+7)(x-1) = 0
This article will guide you through solving the quadratic equation (2x+7)(x-1) = 0.
Understanding the Zero Product Property
The equation (2x+7)(x-1) = 0 is already in a factored form. This form is particularly useful because it allows us to apply the Zero Product Property. This property states:
- If the product of two or more factors is zero, then at least one of the factors must be zero.
Applying the Zero Product Property to Solve the Equation
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Set each factor equal to zero:
- 2x + 7 = 0
- x - 1 = 0
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Solve each equation for x:
- 2x + 7 = 0
- 2x = -7
- x = -7/2
- x - 1 = 0
- x = 1
- 2x + 7 = 0
Solutions
Therefore, the solutions to the quadratic equation (2x+7)(x-1) = 0 are:
- x = -7/2
- x = 1
Verifying the Solutions
You can always verify your solutions by plugging them back into the original equation:
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For x = -7/2:
- (2(-7/2) + 7)(-7/2 - 1) = 0
- (0)(-9/2) = 0
- 0 = 0 (This confirms that x = -7/2 is a valid solution)
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For x = 1:
- (2(1) + 7)(1 - 1) = 0
- (9)(0) = 0
- 0 = 0 (This confirms that x = 1 is a valid solution)
Conclusion
The quadratic equation (2x+7)(x-1) = 0 has two solutions: x = -7/2 and x = 1. By using the Zero Product Property, we could efficiently solve the equation and verify our answers.