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Section 9.2 Solving Quadratic Equations by Using a Square Root

In SectionĀ 7.7, we learned how to solve quadratic equations by factoring. In this section, we will learn how to solve some specific types of quadratic equations using the square root property. We will also revisit how to use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the length of one side of a right triangle when the other two lengths are known, but we will solve the resulting equation using the square root property, rather than factoring.

Subsection 9.2.1 Solving Quadratic Equations Using the Square Root Property

When we learned how to solve linear equations, we used inverse operations to isolate the variable. For example, we use subtraction to remove an unwanted term that is added to one side of a linear equation. We can't quite do the same thing with squaring and using square roots, but we can do something very similar. Taking the square root is the inverse of squaring if you happen to know the original number was positive. In general, we have to remember that the original number may have been negative, and that usually leads to two solutions to a quadratic equation.

For example, if \(x^2=9\text{,}\) we can think of undoing the square with a square root, and \(\sqrt{9}=3\text{.}\) However, there are two numbers that we can square to get \(9\text{:}\) \(-3\) and \(3\text{.}\) So we need to include both solutions. This brings us to the Square Root Property.

Example 9.2.2.

Solve for \(y\) in \(y^2-49=0\text{.}\)

Explanation

While we could factor and use the zero product property, here we are demonstrating the square root property instead. We need to isolate the squared quantity.

\begin{align*} y^2-49\amp=0\\ y^2-49\addright{49}\amp=0\addright{49}\\ y^2\amp=49 \end{align*}
\begin{align*} y\amp=-\sqrt{49} \amp\text{ or }\amp\amp y\amp=\sqrt{49}\\ y\amp=-7\amp\text{ or }\amp\amp y\amp=7 \end{align*}

To check these solutions, we will replace \(y\) with \(-7\) and with \(7\text{:}\)

\begin{align*} y^2-49\amp=0\amp y^2-49\amp=0\\ (\substitute{-7})^2-49\amp\stackrel{?}{=}0\amp (\substitute{7})^2-49\amp\stackrel{?}{=}0\\ 49-49\amp\stackrel{\checkmark}{=}0\amp 49-49\amp\stackrel{\checkmark}{=}0 \end{align*}

The solution set is \(\{-7,7\}\text{.}\)

Remark 9.2.3.

Every solution to a quadratic equation can be checked, as shown in ExampleĀ 9.2.2. In general, the process of checking is omitted from this section.

Remark 9.2.4.

Factoring will generally be a possible approach to solving a quadratic equation when the solution(s) are rational, but won't be a possible approach when the solution(s) are irrational.

For example, we could have solved the quadratic equation in ExampleĀ 9.2.2 by factoring in this way:

\begin{align*} y^2-49\amp=0\\ (y+7)(y-7)\amp=0 \end{align*}
\begin{align*} y+7\amp=0\amp\amp\text{ or }\amp y-7\amp=0\\ y\amp=-7\amp\amp\text{ or }\amp y\amp=7 \end{align*}

However, as we'll see in ExampleĀ 9.2.8, we cannot solve \(2n^2-3=0\) by factoring, but we can use the square root property.

Checkpoint 9.2.5.

We can also use the square root property to solve an equation that has a squared expression.

Example 9.2.6.

Solve for \(p\) in \(50=2(p-1)^2\text{.}\)

Explanation

It's important here to suppress any urge you may have to expand the squared binomial. We begin by isolating the squared expression.

\begin{align*} 50\amp=2(p-1)^2\\ \divideunder{50}{2}\amp=\divideunder{2(p-1)^2}{2}\\ 25\amp=(p-1)^2 \end{align*}

Now that we have the squared expression isolated, we can use the square root property.

\begin{align*} (p-1)\amp=-\sqrt{25}\amp\text{or}\amp\amp(p-1)\amp=\sqrt{25}\\ p-1\amp=-5\amp\text{or}\amp\amp p-1\amp=5\\ p\amp=-4\amp\text{or}\amp\amp p\amp=6 \end{align*}

The solution set is \(\{-4,6\}\text{.}\)

This method of solving quadratic equations is not limited to equations that have rational solutions, or when the radicands are perfect squares. Here are a few examples where the solutions are irrational numbers.

Checkpoint 9.2.7.

Remember that if a square root is in the denominator then we need to rationalize it like we learned in SectionĀ 9.1. We will need to rationalize the denominator in the next example.

Example 9.2.8.

Solve for \(n\) in \(2n^2-3=0\text{.}\)

Explanation
\begin{align*} 2n^2-3\amp=0\\ 2n^2\amp=3\\ n^2\amp=\frac{3}{2} \end{align*}
\begin{align*} n\amp=-\sqrt{\frac{3}{2}}\amp\text{or}\amp\amp n\amp=\sqrt{\frac{3}{2}}\\ n\amp=-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{2}} \amp\text{or}\amp\amp n\amp=\frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{2}}\\ n\amp=-\frac{\sqrt{3}\cdot\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}\cdot\sqrt{2}} \amp\text{or}\amp\amp n\amp=\frac{\sqrt{3}\cdot\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}\cdot\sqrt{2}}\\ n\amp=-\frac{\sqrt{6}}{2}\amp\text{ or }\amp\amp n\amp=\frac{\sqrt{6}}{2} \end{align*}

The solution set is \(\left\{-\frac{\sqrt{6}}{2},\frac{\sqrt{6}}{2}\right\}\text{.}\)

When the radicand is a negative number, there is no real solution. Here is an example of an equation with no real solution.

Example 9.2.9.

Solve for \(x\) in \(x^2+49=0\text{.}\)

Explanation
\begin{align*} x^2+49\amp=0\\ x^2\amp=-49 \end{align*}

Since \(\sqrt{-49}\) is not a real number, we say the equation has no real solution.

Subsection 9.2.2 The Pythagorean Theorem

Right triangles have an important property called the Pythagorean Theorem.

The Pythagorean Theorem states that for any right triangle, the lengths of the three sides have the following relationship: \(a^2+b^2=c^2\text{.}\) The sides \(a\) and \(b\) are called legs and the longest side \(c\) is called the hypotenuse.

a right triangle with sides labeled a, b, and c; side c is the hypotenuse
Figure 9.2.10.

Let's look at some applications of the Pythaogrean Theorem in the following examples.

Example 9.2.11.

Keisha is designing a wooden frame in the shape of a right triangle, as shown in FigureĀ 9.2.12. The legs of the triangle are 3 ft and 4 ft. How long should she make the diagonal side? Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the length of the hypotenuse.

According to Pythagorean Theorem, we have:

\begin{align*} c^2\amp=a^2+b^2\\ c^2\amp=3^2+4^2\\ c^2\amp=9+16\\ c^2\amp=25\\ \end{align*}

Now we have a quadratic equation that we need to solve. We need to find the number that has a square of \(25\text{.}\) That is what the square root operation does.

\begin{align*} c\amp=\sqrt{25}\\ c\amp=5 \end{align*}

The diagonal side Keisha will cut is 5 ft long.

a right triangle with a base labeled a=3 ft; the height is labeled b=4 ft; the hypotenuse is labeled c
Figure 9.2.12.

Note that \(-5\) is also a solution of \(c^2=25\) because \((-5)^2=25\text{,}\) but a length cannot be a negative number. We will need to include both solutions when they are relevant.

Example 9.2.13.

A \(16.5\)ft ladder is leaning against a wall. The distance from the base of the ladder to the wall is \(4.5\) feet. How high on the wall can the ladder reach?

The Pythagorean Theorem says:

\begin{align*} a^2+b^2\amp=c^2\\ 4.5^2+b^2\amp=16.5^2\\ 20.25+b^2\amp=272.25\\ \end{align*}

Now we need to isolate \(b^2\) in order to solve for \(b\text{:}\)

\begin{align*} 20.25+b^2\subtractright{20.25}\amp=272.25\subtractright{20.25}\\ b^2\amp=252 \end{align*}
a right angle with a diagonal line for the ladder; the base of the triangle is labeled a=4.5 ft;the height of the triangle is labeled b; the hypotenuse is labeled c=16.5 ft
Figure 9.2.14. Leaning Ladder

To remove the square, we use the square root property. Because this is a geometric situation we only need to use the principal root:

\begin{align*} b\amp=\sqrt{252}\\ \end{align*}

Now we approximate it:

\begin{align*} b\amp\approx 15.87 \end{align*}

The ladder can reach about \(15.87\) feet high on the wall.

Here are some more examples using the Pythagorean Theorem to find sides of triangles. Note that in many contexts, only the principal root will be relevant.

Example 9.2.15.

Find the missing length in this right triangle.

a right triangle with a base of 5 units and a hypotenuse of 10 units;the height is labeled x
Figure 9.2.16. A Right Triangle
Explanation

We will use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve for \(x\text{:}\)

\begin{align*} 5^2+x^2\amp=10^2\\ 25+x^2\amp=100\\ x^2\amp=75\\ x\amp=\sqrt{75}\amp\text{(no need to consider }{-\sqrt{75}}\text{ in this context)}\\ x\amp=\sqrt{25\cdot3}\\ x\amp=5\sqrt{3} \end{align*}

The missing length is \(x=5\sqrt{3}\text{.}\)

Example 9.2.17.

Sergio is designing a \(50\)-inch TV, which implies the diagonal of the TV's screen will be \(50\) inches long. He needs the screen's width to height ratio to be \(4:3\text{.}\) Find the TV screen's width and height.

a rectangle for the TV with a diagonal line drawn and labeled c=50 in; the base width of the TV is labeled a and the height is labeled b
Figure 9.2.18. Pythagorean Theorem Problem
Explanation

Let's let \(x\) represent the height of the screen, in inches. Since the screen's width to height ratio will be \(4:3\text{,}\) then the width is \(\frac{4}{3}\) times as long as the height, or \(\frac{4}{3}x\) inches. We will draw a diagram.

The previous image of the TV with the height labeled b=x in and the base width labeled a=4/3x in
Figure 9.2.19. Pythagorean Theorem Problem

Now we can use the Pythagorean Theorem to write and solve an equation:

\begin{align*} a^2+b^2\amp=c^2\\ \left(\frac{4}{3}x\right)^2+x^2\amp=50^2\\ \frac{16}{9}x^2+\frac{9}{9}x^2\amp=2500\\ \frac{25}{9}x^2\amp=2500\\ \multiplyleft{\frac{9}{25}}\frac{25}{9}x^2\amp=\multiplyleft{\frac{9}{25}}2500\\ x^2\amp=900\\ x\amp=30 \end{align*}

Since the screen's height is \(30\) inches, its width is \(\frac{4}{3}x=\frac{4}{3}(30)=40\) inches.

Example 9.2.20.

Luca wanted to make a bench.

a sketch of a bench with an arc drawn on the backrest of the bench
Figure 9.2.21. Sketch of a Bench with Highlighted Back

He wanted the top of the bench back to be a perfect portion of a circle, in the shape of an arc, as in FigureĀ 9.2.22. (Note that this won't be a half-circle, just a small portion of a circular edge.) He started with a rectangular board \(3\) inches wide and \(48\) inches long, and a piece of string, like a compass, to draw a circular arc on the board. How long should the string be so that it can be swung round to draw the arc?

the bench backrest board labeled 48 in by 3 in and a large circle that makes the arc on the board;there is a dot in the center of the circle
Figure 9.2.22. Bench Back Board
Explanation

Let's first define \(x\) to be the radius of the circle in question, in inches. The circle should go through the bottom corners of the board and just barely touch the top of the board. That means that the line from the middle of the bottom of the board to the center of the circle will be \(3\) inches shorter than the radius.

a diagram using the radii of the circle to form a triangle with the bench back board; The base of the triangle is a radius that is horizontal from the center of the circle to the bottom of the backrest, labeled x-3; The hypotenuse is another radius from the center of the circle to the corner of the backrest, labeled x; the height of the triangle is labeled 24 in from the center to edge of the backrest
Figure 9.2.23. Bench Back Board Diagram

Now we can set up the Pythagorean Theorem based on the scenario. The equation \(a^2+b^2=c^2\) turns intoā€¦

\begin{align*} (x-3)^2+24^2\amp=x^2\\ x^2-6x+9+576\amp=x^2\\ -6x+585\amp=0\\ \end{align*}

Note that at this point the equation is no longer quadratic! Solve the linear equation by isolating \(x\)

\begin{align*} 6x\amp=585\\ x\amp=97.5 \end{align*}

So, the circle radius required is \(97.5\) inches. Luca found a friend to stand on the string end and drew a circular segment on the board to great effect.

Exercises 9.2.3 Exercises

Solving Quadratic Equations with the Square Root Property
1.

Solve the equation.

\(x^2 = 36\)

2.

Solve the equation.

\(x^2 = 49\)

3.

Solve the equation.

\(x^2 = {{\frac{1}{64}}}\)

4.

Solve the equation.

\(x^2 = {{\frac{1}{81}}}\)

5.

Solve the equation.

\(x^2 = 12\)

6.

Solve the equation.

\(x^2 = 20\)

7.

Solve the equation.

\(x^2 = 2\)

8.

Solve the equation.

\(x^2 = 5\)

9.

Solve the equation.

\(4x^2 = 100\)

10.

Solve the equation.

\(5x^2 = 80\)

11.

Solve the equation.

\(x^2 = {{\frac{4}{81}}}\)

12.

Solve the equation.

\(x^2 = {{\frac{121}{4}}}\)

13.

Solve the equation.

\(36x^2 = 49\)

14.

Solve the equation.

\(100x^2 = 9\)

15.

Solve the equation.

\(47x^2 - 61= 0\)

16.

Solve the equation.

\(19x^2 - 2= 0\)

17.

Solve the equation.

\(3-2x^2 = -2\)

18.

Solve the equation.

\(13-7y^2 = 8\)

19.

Solve the equation.

\(19x^2 + 17= 0\)

20.

Solve the equation.

\(2x^2 + 23= 0\)

21.

Solve the equation.

\(\left(x+2\right)^2 = 81\)

22.

Solve the equation.

\(\left(x+4\right)^2 = 25\)

23.

Solve the equation.

\(\left(9x+10\right)^2 = 144\)

24.

Solve the equation.

\(\left(2x+10\right)^2 = 81\)

25.

Solve the equation.

\(20 - 3 ( x+1 )^2 = 8\)

26.

Solve the equation.

\(56 - 6 ( x+1 )^2 = 2\)

27.

Solve the equation.

\((x+2)^2 = 11\)

28.

Solve the equation.

\((x - 5)^2 = 17\)

29.

Solve the equation.

\((y+6)^2 = 98\)

30.

Solve the equation.

\((r+8)^2 = 75\)

31.

Solve the equation.

\(-3 = 25 - (r - 6)^2\)

32.

Solve the equation.

\(-1 = 146 - (t+9)^2\)

Pythagorean Theorem Applications
33.

Find the value of \(x\text{.}\)

\(x={}\)

34.

Find the value of \(x\text{.}\)

\(x={}\)

35.

Find the value of \(x\text{.}\)

\(x={}\)

36.

Find the value of \(x\text{.}\)

\(x={}\)

37.

Find the value of \(x\text{,}\) accurate to at least two decimal places.

\(x\approx{}\)

38.

Find the value of \(x\text{,}\) accurate to at least two decimal places.

\(x\approx{}\)

39.

Find the exact value of \(x\text{.}\)

\(x={}\)

40.

Find the exact value of \(x\text{.}\)

\(x={}\)

41.

Find the exact value of \(x\text{.}\)

\(x={}\)

42.

Find the exact value of \(x\text{.}\)

\(x={}\)

43.

Alejandro is designing a rectangular garden. The gardenā€™s diagonal must be \(62.9\) feet, and the ratio between the gardenā€™s base and height must be \(15:8\text{.}\) Find the length of the gardenā€™s base and height.

The gardenā€™s base is feet and its height is .

44.

Michael is designing a rectangular garden. The gardenā€™s diagonal must be \(33.8\) feet, and the ratio between the gardenā€™s base and height must be \(12:5\text{.}\) Find the length of the gardenā€™s base and height.

The gardenā€™s base is feet and its height is .

45.

Evan is designing a rectangular garden. The gardenā€™s base must be \(21\) feet, and the ratio between the gardenā€™s hypotenuse and height must be \(17:8\text{.}\) Find the length of the gardenā€™s hypotenuse and height.

The gardenā€™s hypotenuse is feet and its height is .

46.

Will is designing a rectangular garden. The gardenā€™s base must be \(1.2\) feet, and the ratio between the gardenā€™s hypotenuse and height must be \(5:3\text{.}\) Find the length of the gardenā€™s hypotenuse and height.

The gardenā€™s hypotenuse is feet and its height is .