solved algebra question involving quadratic equations with a variable 'z'

1 answer

Sure! Let's work through a quadratic equation involving the variable \( z \).

Consider the quadratic equation:

\[ 2z^2 - 4z - 6 = 0 \]

Step 1: Identify coefficients

In the standard form of a quadratic equation \( az^2 + bz + c = 0 \), we have:

  • \( a = 2 \)
  • \( b = -4 \)
  • \( c = -6 \)

Step 2: Use the quadratic formula

The solutions for \( z \) can be found using the quadratic formula:

\[ z = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \]

Step 3: Calculate the discriminant

First, we calculate the discriminant \( D = b^2 - 4ac \):

\[ D = (-4)^2 - 4 \cdot 2 \cdot (-6) \] \[ D = 16 + 48 = 64 \]

Step 4: Substitute values into the formula

Now, substituting the values back into the quadratic formula:

\[ z = \frac{-(-4) \pm \sqrt{64}}{2 \cdot 2} \] \[ z = \frac{4 \pm 8}{4} \]

Step 5: Solve for the two values of \( z \)

Now, we calculate the two potential solutions:

  1. \( z_1 = \frac{4 + 8}{4} = \frac{12}{4} = 3 \)
  2. \( z_2 = \frac{4 - 8}{4} = \frac{-4}{4} = -1 \)

Step 6: Final solutions

Thus, the solutions for the equation \( 2z^2 - 4z - 6 = 0 \) are:

\[ z = 3 \quad \text{and} \quad z = -1 \]

If you have a different equation in mind or need further assistance, feel free to ask!