Divide both sides by -3, and replace with
. Then
Factorize the quadratic in to get
which in turn means
But for all real
, so we can ignore the first solution. This leaves us with
If we allow for any complex solution, then we can continue with the solution we ignored:
Answer: 28 dots
Step-by-step explanation: In this pattern,
we can see the the first figure is just 1 dot.
The second figure has a new row on the bottom with 2 dots.
The third figure has a new row on the bottom with 3 dots
and the fourth figure has a new row on the bottom with 4 dots.
So continuing with this pattern,
the next figure will have a new row with 5 dots,
the next will have a new row with 6 dots,
and the next will have a new row with 7 dots.
So in the 7th picture, we will have 7 + 6 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 dots.
This simplifies to 28 dots.
Take a look below.
