Finding the Values of a, b, and c in a Quadratic Equation
The equation (2x + 7)(x - 1) = 0 represents a quadratic equation in its factored form. To determine the values of a, b, and c in the standard quadratic equation ax² + bx + c = 0, we need to expand the factored form.
Expanding the Equation
Let's use the distributive property (or FOIL method) to expand the equation:
(2x + 7)(x - 1) = 0
- 2x * x = 2x²
- 2x * -1 = -2x
- 7 * x = 7x
- 7 * -1 = -7
Combining these terms, we get:
2x² + 5x - 7 = 0
Identifying a, b, and c
Now, by comparing this expanded equation to the standard quadratic equation ax² + bx + c = 0, we can easily identify the values:
- a = 2 (coefficient of x²)
- b = 5 (coefficient of x)
- c = -7 (constant term)
Therefore, the values of a, b, and c in the quadratic equation (2x + 7)(x - 1) = 0 are a = 2, b = 5, and c = -7.