Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Quadratic Formula
The quadratic formula is a method for solving quadratic equations of the form ax² + bx + c = 0. It is expressed as x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a), where a, b, and c are coefficients from the equation. This formula provides the solutions (roots) of the equation, which can be real or complex numbers depending on the value of the discriminant (b² - 4ac).
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Factoring
Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into a product of simpler expressions. In the context of the given equation, (4x - 1)(x + 2) = 4x can be expanded and rearranged to form a standard quadratic equation. Understanding how to factor expressions is crucial for simplifying equations and finding solutions efficiently.
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Discriminant
The discriminant is the part of the quadratic formula under the square root, given by b² - 4ac. It determines the nature of the roots of the quadratic equation: if the discriminant is positive, there are two distinct real roots; if it is zero, there is one real root (a repeated root); and if it is negative, the roots are complex. Analyzing the discriminant helps in understanding the solutions' characteristics.
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