Solve Equation V: Real X Solutions

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In summary, an equation is a mathematical statement that shows the relationship between two or more quantities and is used to find the value of unknown variables. Real solutions are values that make the equation true and are important for solving real-life problems and making predictions. To solve for x in an equation, the variable must be isolated on one side of the equal sign using inverse operations. There can be more than one real solution for x in an equation, with the possibility of an infinite or finite number of solutions.
  • #1
anemone
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Find all real $x$ satisfying $x^9+\dfrac{9x^6}{8}+\dfrac{27x^3}{64}-x+\dfrac{219}{512}=0$.
 
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  • #2
Here is my solution:

$$x^9+\frac{9}{8}x^6+\frac{27}{64}x^3-x+\frac{219}{512}=0 \\\\
\Rightarrow (x^3+\frac{3}{8})^3-x+\frac{3}{8}=0\; \; so\; \; x^3+\frac{3}{8}=\sqrt[3]{x-\frac{3}{8}} $$
(Recall jacks elegant solution in the thread: http://mathhelpboards.com/challenge-questions-puzzles-28/solve-equation-9126.html)
$$Let \; \; f(x)=x^3+\frac{3}{8} \; \; then \; \; f^{-1}(x)=\sqrt[3]{x-\frac{3}{8}}$$
$$f(x)=f^{-1}(x)\Leftrightarrow f(x)=x$$
So the 9th degree polynomial reduces to a 3rd degree one: $ x^3-x+\frac{3}{8}=0 $
One of the solutions is: $x=\frac{1}{2}$
Polynomial division gives:
\[x^3-x+\frac{3}{8}=(x-\frac{1}{2})(x^2+\frac{1}{2}x-\frac{3}{4})\]
Thus there are three real solutions:
\[x\in \left \{ \frac{1}{2}, \frac{1}{4}(-1\pm \sqrt{13}) \right \}\]
 
  • #3
lfdahl said:
Here is my solution:

$$x^9+\frac{9}{8}x^6+\frac{27}{64}x^3-x+\frac{219}{512}=0 \\\\
\Rightarrow (x^3+\frac{3}{8})^3-x+\frac{3}{8}=0\; \; so\; \; x^3+\frac{3}{8}=\sqrt[3]{x-\frac{3}{8}} $$
(Recall jacks elegant solution in the thread: http://mathhelpboards.com/challenge-questions-puzzles-28/solve-equation-9126.html)
$$Let \; \; f(x)=x^3+\frac{3}{8} \; \; then \; \; f^{-1}(x)=\sqrt[3]{x-\frac{3}{8}}$$
$$f(x)=f^{-1}(x)\Leftrightarrow f(x)=x$$
So the 9th degree polynomial reduces to a 3rd degree one: $ x^3-x+\frac{3}{8}=0 $
One of the solutions is: $x=\frac{1}{2}$
Polynomial division gives:
\[x^3-x+\frac{3}{8}=(x-\frac{1}{2})(x^2+\frac{1}{2}x-\frac{3}{4})\]
Thus there are three real solutions:
\[x\in \left \{ \frac{1}{2}, \frac{1}{4}(-1\pm \sqrt{13}) \right \}\]

Well done, lfdahl! You know, I was kind of wondering initially that I wasn't sure if you would think of that particular thread when you saw this challenge problem! You're one of the great problem solvers at MHB and now, I think honesty is one of your best strengths!:cool:
 

FAQ: Solve Equation V: Real X Solutions

What is an equation?

An equation is a mathematical statement that shows the relationship between two or more quantities. It consists of an equal sign between two expressions, with the goal of finding the value of the unknown variable(s).

What are real solutions?

Real solutions are values of the variable(s) in an equation that make the equation true. In the context of "Solve Equation V: Real X Solutions", real solutions refer to the values of x that satisfy the given equation.

How do I solve for x in an equation?

To solve for x in an equation, you need to isolate the variable on one side of the equal sign. This can be done by using inverse operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, to cancel out any numbers or variables that are attached to x. The goal is to get x by itself on one side of the equal sign.

What is the importance of finding real x solutions?

Finding real x solutions is important because it helps us solve real-life problems and make predictions. In science, equations are used to model and understand various phenomena, and finding real solutions allows us to accurately describe and analyze these phenomena.

Can there be more than one real solution for x in an equation?

Yes, there can be more than one real solution for x in an equation. This means that there are multiple values of x that satisfy the equation. In some cases, there may be an infinite number of solutions, while in others, there may only be a finite number of solutions.

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