14.04 Solving equations with technology
Up to this point we have looked at many different ways to solve equations. A range of these methods are algebraic, meaning we focus on manipulation of the algebraic equation to find the solutions.
Luckily, there are many forms of technology available today that can help us to solve equations both algebraically and graphically. The great thing about using computers when exploring mathematics is that, once we understand and are confident with the concepts, we can let them do all the heavy lifting!
Worked example
Example 1
Solve $2x^3-3x^2-32x-15=0$2x3−3x2−32x−15=0 using technology.
Enter the equation into your graphics calculator or other technology and you should get the following answers:
Practice questions
Question 1
Solve the following equation by using the solve command on your calculator or otherwise.
$3x^2-x-10=0$3x2−x−10=0
Write all solutions together on the same line, separated by commas.
Question 2
Using the solve command on your calculator, or otherwise, find the roots of $4.6x^2+7.3x-3.7=0$4.6x2+7.3x−3.7=0.
Give your answers as decimal approximations to the nearest tenth. Write the decimal approximations for both roots on the same line, separated by a comma.
Question 3
We want to solve the equation $2x\left(x-\frac{5}{2}\right)=3$2x(x−52)=3.
Rewrite the left side of the equation as a function.
Rewrite the right side of the equation as a function.
Graph both functions using the graphing functionality of your graphics calculator. Hence, solve the equation $2x\left(x-\frac{5}{2}\right)=3$2x(x−52)=3 for $x$x.
Write all solutions together on the same line, separated by commas.