|
"The deep study of nature is the most fruitful source of mathematical discovery." -- (Joseph Fourier, 1768-1830)
Michael Stifel (Germany, 1486-1567). One of the great algebraists of the 16th century, Stifel was a number mystic. He prophesied the end of the world on Oct. 3, 1533. When this event failed to happen, he had to take refuge in a prison to escape the wrath of peasants who gave up all of their worldly goods to follow him to Heaven. Extremely anti-Catholic, he produced a "proof" that Pope Leo X was the antichrist described in the Bible. (Revelation 13:18 ).
Stifel certainly qualifies as one of the most eccentric personalities in the history of mathematics. He was a priest in his early years, and he developed an interest in number mysticism. He studied the Bible , and interpreted certain passages in terms of number associations with key words. His proof associating Pope Leo X with the number 666 is fascinating, to say the very least.
|
When Herkimer was a playboy, where did he record his daily activities?
 Answer: In a loose-life notebook. Herky's friends: CARA VAN...likes to lead multi-car tours. PATTY MELT.. she loves grilled sandwiches with cheese topping. |
|
ASSIGNMENT #30 Reading: Section 5.6, pages 291-295. Written: Pages 295-297/47-61 (odds), 79. |
|
Mathematical word analysis: |
The real solutions for any quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 can be found (if they exist) using the quadratic formula. This formula is not necessarily the most efficient way to find solutions to the equation, but it will do the job, if used properly. The formula has the form x = (-b plus/minus ÷(b2-4ac))/(2a).
The expression D = b2-4ac is called the discriminant of the quadratic equation. This tells you something about the nature of the roots of a quadratic equation. Understand this! It is important!
Here are three examples that illustrate the properties of the discriminant. (These are stated on page 189).
Example 1:
Solve x2 - 6x + 9 = 0.
In this case, D = b2 - 4ac = (-6)2 - 4(1)(9) = 36 - 36 = 0. This equation has only one real root. If we substitute into the quadratic formula, we get x =( -(-6) plus/minus ÷(0))/(2) = (6 plus/minus 0)/2 = 3. The only solution to the equation is x = 3. We really didn't need the quadratic formula. We might have noted that x2-6x+9 - (x-3)(x-3) = 0 will be true only when x = 3. If you use your TI-83 and graph Y1=x^2 - 6x + 9, you will find that the curve (a parabola) is tangent to the x-axis at x = 3. In other words, only x = 3 will produce a y value of 0.
Example 2:
Solve x2 + 2x - 15 = 0.
In this case, D = b2-4ac = 22-4(1)(-15) = 4 + 60 = 64. Since D is positive, the equation will have two distinct real roots. Using the quadratic formula, we get x = (-2 plus/minus ÷(64))/(2) = (-2 plus/minus 8)/2 ==> x = (-2 + 8)/2 or x = (-2 - 8)/2 ==> x = 3 or x = -5. If you use your TI-83 and graph Y1 = x^2 + 2x - 15, you will find that the graph has x-intercepts at x = 3 and at x = -5. This is where y = 0.
We could have originally written x2 + 2x - 15 = (x - 3)(x + 5) = 0 when x = 3 or x = -5. Since the original quadratic could be factored, we did not need the quadratic formula. However, many quadratics cannot easily be factored, and the quadratic formula is necessary.
Example 3:
If we attempt to solve x2 + 2x + 9 = 0, we note D = 22 - 4(1)(9) = 4 - 36 = -32. Since the discriminant is negative, the equation has no real roots. If you use your TI-83 and graph Y1 = x2 + 2x + 9, you will note that the graph does not intersect the x-axis. In other words, no value of x exists that makes y = 0.
The quadratic equation will always provide information about the nature of the roots (solutions) of a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0. Make an attempt to appreciate this neat formula.
|
Problem: Solve 2x2 - 5x - 8 = 0. Solution (with communication):
|
Problem: Solve x2 +x +1 = 0. Solution (with communication):
|