How do you solve 2x^2-13x-7=0 using the quadratic formula?

1 Answer
Apr 16, 2017

x=7 or x=-1/2

Explanation:

Let's begin with the quadratic formula: x=(-b+- sqrt(b^2-4ac))/(2a

In the equation 2x^2 - 13x - 7 = 0, the a-value equals 2, the b-value equals -13, and the c-value is -7.

We substitute those numbers into our equation, and simplify to find our answer:

x=(13+-sqrt(169-4(2)(-7)))/(2(2)) (Substitution)
x=(13+- sqrt(225))/(4) (Simplify)
x=(13+-15)/4 (Simplify)
x=(28)/4 or x=(-2)/4 (Simplify)
x=7 or x=-1/2 (Simplify)