Finding for k in quadratic equation.

In summary, you are looking for the smallest integer k such that, if you plug in ANY REAL NUMBER for x, the quadratic becomes positive. If k is less than or equal to the value of D in the equation, the quadratic will be positive and the discriminant will be zero. However, if k is greater than or equal to the value of D, the quadratic will be negative and the discriminant will be greater than zero.
  • #1
Sumedh
62
0

Homework Statement




Find the least integral value of k for which the quadratic polynomial
(k-2)x2 + 8x + k+4 > 0 where x is real.



The Attempt at a Solution



i am trying to solve the discriminant by equating it to>0
D>0
but i don't think it is correct.
Please provide hints for this solutions.
 
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  • #2
Show us what you have done.
 
  • #3
D=b2-4ac
=64-4(k-2)(k+4)

as x is real
D>0

.'. 64-4(k-2)(k+4)>0

on solving
i got
(k-4)(k+6)<0

after that what should I do

should i find the values of k from this inequality?
 
  • #4
Sumedh said:
Find the least integral value of k for which the quadratic polynomial
(k-2)x2 + 8x + k+4 > 0 where x is real.

The Attempt at a Solution



i am trying to solve the discriminant by equating it to>0
D>0
but i don't think it is correct.
No, it's not... at least the way I'm interpreting the question.

You are looking for the smallest integer k such that, if you plug in ANY REAL NUMBER for x, the quadratic becomes positive. That means that the graph of the parabola would be entirely above the x-axis. What does that say about the discriminant?
 
  • #5
Sumedh said:
D=b2-4ac
=64-4(k-2)(k+4)

as x is real
D>0

.'. 64-4(k-2)(k+4)>0

on solving
i got
(k-4)(k+6)<0

after that what should I do

should i find the values of k from this inequality?

You might want to check your algebra on trying to solve for k in the inequality. What happened to the constant 64?
 
  • #6
SteamKing said:
You might want to check your algebra on trying to solve for k in the inequality. What happened to the constant 64?
The algebra is actually correct. The OP multiplied the binomials, combined like terms, and then divided both sides by -4. The inequality symbol used in the beginning is wrong, however.
 
  • #7
the smallest value of the function:[tex]f(x)=ax^2+bx+c=0[/tex]

here[tex]f(x)=(k-2)x^2+8x+k+4>0[/tex]
is

[tex]\frac {-D}{4a}[/tex]

to get this value positive D should be negative-------------(I)
and solving according this we get
64-4(k-2)(k+4) < 0
as this may result in correct answer

but as x is real .'. D should be positive or zero--------------(II)
[tex](I)\neq(II)[/tex]

I am confused with (I) (II)
?
 
Last edited:
  • #8
eumyang said:
The inequality symbol used in the beginning is wrong, however.

i got the answer
by using this

[tex]\frac{-D}{4a}[/tex]

before i was running on the wrong concept:confused:

now i got the answer
thank you very much for your valuable suggestion and valuable time for me

thank you once again:smile::smile:
 

FAQ: Finding for k in quadratic equation.

What is the quadratic formula?

The quadratic formula is a mathematical equation used to solve quadratic equations in the form of ax^2 + bx + c = 0. It is written as x = (-b ± √(b^2 - 4ac)) / 2a.

How do I find the value of k in a quadratic equation?

To find the value of k in a quadratic equation, you can use the quadratic formula. Simply plug in the values of a, b, and c into the formula and solve for x. The value of k will be one of the solutions for x.

What is the significance of the value of k in a quadratic equation?

The value of k in a quadratic equation represents the y-intercept of the parabola formed by the equation. It is also the point at which the parabola crosses the y-axis. It can also provide information about the direction and shape of the parabola.

Can the value of k in a quadratic equation be negative?

Yes, the value of k in a quadratic equation can be negative. This simply means that the parabola will have a downward opening instead of an upward opening. The negative value of k does not affect the solutions for x, but it does affect the overall shape of the parabola.

Is there an easier way to find the value of k in a quadratic equation?

Yes, if the quadratic equation is given in the form of (x - h)^2 + k = 0, then the value of k is simply the constant term in the equation. This can save time and effort in using the quadratic formula to find the value of k.

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