If 24, x, and 6 form the first three terms of an arithmetic sequence
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Answer:
see explanation
Step-by-step explanation:
Given
x² - 3x - 40 = 0
Consider the factors of the constant term (- 40) which sum to give the coefficient of the x- term (- 3)
The factors are - 8 and + 5, since
- 8 × 5 = - 40 and - 8 + 5 = - 3, thus
(x - 8)(x + 5) = 0 ← in factored form
Equate each factor to zero and solve for x
x - 8 = 0 ⇒ x = 8
x + 5 = 0 ⇒ x = 5
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Given
4x² - 81 = 0 ← this is a difference of squares and factors in general as
a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b), thus
4x² - 81
=(2x)² - 9²
= (2x + 9)(2x - 9) = 0 ← in factored form
Equate each factor to zero and solve for x
2x + 9 = 0 ⇒ 2x = - 9 ⇒ x = -
2x - 9 = 0 ⇒ 2x = 9 ⇒ x =