The problem asks us to determine the type of solutions the quadratic equation $2x^2 + 18 = -12x$ has using the discriminant, without solving the equation.
2025/4/21
1. Problem Description
The problem asks us to determine the type of solutions the quadratic equation has using the discriminant, without solving the equation.
2. Solution Steps
First, we rewrite the equation in the standard quadratic form :
Here, , , and .
The discriminant is given by the formula:
Substituting the values of , , and into the formula, we get:
If the discriminant , the equation has two distinct real solutions.
If the discriminant , the equation has one real solution (a repeated root).
If the discriminant , the equation has two nonreal complex solutions.
In our case, , so the quadratic equation has one real solution. Since the coefficients of the quadratic equation are rational, and the discriminant is a perfect square (0), the solution is rational. Therefore, the equation has one rational solution.
3. Final Answer
One rational solution.