Solving the Equation: (x+5)(x-5) + x(x-5) = 0
This equation represents a quadratic equation that can be solved using a few different methods. Here's a breakdown of the steps:
1. Factoring
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Expand the equation:
- (x+5)(x-5) = x² - 25
- x(x-5) = x² - 5x
- Therefore, the equation becomes: x² - 25 + x² - 5x = 0
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Combine like terms: 2x² - 5x - 25 = 0
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Factor the quadratic: (2x+5)(x-5) = 0
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Set each factor equal to zero and solve for x:
- 2x + 5 = 0 => x = -5/2
- x - 5 = 0 => x = 5
2. Using the Quadratic Formula
The quadratic formula provides a solution for any equation of the form ax² + bx + c = 0.
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Identify the coefficients:
- a = 2
- b = -5
- c = -25
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Plug the values into the quadratic formula:
- x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a
- x = (5 ± √((-5)² - 4 * 2 * -25)) / 2 * 2
- x = (5 ± √(225)) / 4
- x = (5 ± 15) / 4
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Solve for the two possible values of x:
- x = (5 + 15) / 4 = 5
- x = (5 - 15) / 4 = -5/2
Solution
Therefore, the solutions to the equation (x+5)(x-5) + x(x-5) = 0 are x = 5 and x = -5/2.