Am I using the correct quadratic equation for this chemistry problem?

[kimjoc]

For our typical quadratic equation:

x= (-b± $\sqrt{b^2-4ac}$)/2a


Am I missing something? I mean the value underneath the square root turns out to be a negative number, so technically this equation would not have worked right? It's from a textbook by the way. This is actually an analytical chemistry application question.

x= -6.8*10^-4 ± [(6.8*10^-4)² - (4)(6.8*10^-4)]^0.5/(2)(1)

 

[lurflurf]

The equation works fine with negative numbers. Sometimes this happens when the roots should be real, either a mistake was made or the situation modeled is impossible or there was rounding and the roots returned are barely complex and should be rounded back to real.

 

[gsal]

is b = c ?
or did you write the wrong value?

In any case, negative ARE possible and you go into complex number territory

 

[phinds]

If a proper math equation (which this is) is applied in a way that doesn't give a physically possible answer, that's not the math's fault and you need to look at whether or not the right numbers have been put in or whether perhaps the equation is not the right one to use in a given situation.

 

[CellCoree]

Based on the given information, it appears that you are using the correct quadratic equation for this chemistry problem. However, it is possible that there is a mistake in the values you have entered into the equation. If the value under the square root is negative, then the equation will not have any real solutions. I would recommend double-checking your calculations and values to ensure that everything is correct. If the equation still does not work, it is possible that there is a mistake in the textbook or the problem itself. In this case, it would be best to consult with your teacher or a fellow student for clarification. As a scientist, it is important to always double-check your work and question any results that seem unexpected or incorrect.