Simple math driving me crazy.

Discussion in 'Physics & Math' started by sevenblu, Nov 1, 2006.

  1. sevenblu feeling blu Registered Senior Member

    Messages:
    355
    ½x² – 5X + 2, whereas x = 2/3

    First, I substituted the variables (constants) with 2/3:

    ½(2/3)² – 5(2/3) + 2

    Next, per the order of operations, I solved the exponents:

    ½(4/9) – 5(2/3) + 2

    Then, the multiplication:

    2/9 – 10/3 + 2

    To make things easier, I found a common denominator:

    2/9 – 30/9 + 2

    = -28/9 +2

    = -3&1/9 + 2

    = -1&1/9

    My final answer is negative one and one-ninth, however, in the book, the answer to the problem is – (10/9), which is equal to positive one and one ninth.
     
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  3. Absane Rocket Surgeon Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    8,989
    -1 and 1/9 is the right answer... it's the same thing as -10/9.

    However, I am not exactly sure what your question is.
     
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  5. mathman Valued Senior Member

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    2,002
    The term 1/9 has a negative sign. It looks like in your mind it has a positive sign.

    (comment for sevenblu))
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2006
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  7. Absane Rocket Surgeon Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    8,989
    -1&1/9 = -(1 + 1/9) = -(10/9)
     

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