Before applying the quadratic formula to 3x²+5x−2=0, what are a, b, and c?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: a=3, b=5, c=−2
The quadratic formula is applied to an equation in standard form ax²+bx+c=0. Compare 3x²+5x−2=0 term by term with that form. The coefficient of x² is a, so a=3; the coefficient of x is b, so b=5; and the constant term is c, so c=−2. Therefore option A is correct. The negative sign belongs to the constant term and must not be lost. Option B swaps the coefficients of x² and x. Option C changes both signs of the linear and constant terms, although the original equation has +5x and −2. Option D assigns the constant to a and the leading coefficient to c, reversing the standard roles. Correct identification of these coefficients is essential before substitution into the formula x=[−b±√(b²−4ac)]/(2a).
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
a=3, b=5, c=−2
Why is this the correct answer?
The quadratic formula is applied to an equation in standard form ax²+bx+c=0. Compare 3x²+5x−2=0 term by term with that form. The coefficient of x² is a, so a=3; the coefficient of x is b, so b=5; and the constant term is c, so c=−2. Therefore option A is correct. The negative sign belongs to the constant term and must not be lost. Option B swaps the coefficients of x² and x. Option C changes both signs of the linear and constant terms, although the original equation has +5x and −2. Option D assigns the constant to a and the leading coefficient to c, reversing the standard roles. Correct identification of these coefficients is essential before substitution into the formula x=[−b±√(b²−4ac)]/(2a).
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Mathematics question. Chapter: Quadratic Equations. Topic: Methods of Solving Quadratic Equations.
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