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Multiple Choice
Find the solution(s) using the quadratic formula.
A
x=2,x=−7
B
x=1,x=−3
C
x=1,x=−7
D
x=2,x=−3
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the coefficients from the quadratic equation \(x^2 + 6x - 7 = 0\). Here, \(a = 1\), \(b = 6\), and \(c = -7\).
Recall the quadratic formula: \(x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\). This formula gives the solutions for any quadratic equation \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\).
Calculate the discriminant, which is the expression under the square root: \(\Delta = b^2 - 4ac\). Substitute the values to get \(\Delta = 6^2 - 4 \times 1 \times (-7)\).
Evaluate the square root of the discriminant: \(\sqrt{\Delta}\). This step determines whether the solutions are real and distinct, real and equal, or complex.
Substitute \(-b\), \(\sqrt{\Delta}\), and \$2a\( into the quadratic formula to write the two possible solutions: \)x = \frac{-6 + \sqrt{\Delta}}{2}\( and \)x = \frac{-6 - \sqrt{\Delta}}{2}$. These expressions represent the two roots of the equation.