What are the solutions of the equation (2x + 3)^2 + 8(2x + 3) + 11 = 0? Use u substitution and the quadratic formula to solve.

Mathematics · Middle School · Thu Feb 04 2021

Answered on

Given the equation:

(2x + 3)^2 + 8(2x + 3) + 11

Determine the solution.

Solution:

Let u = 2x + 3

Subsitute u to the value of 2x + 3.

= (2x + 3)^2 + 8(2x + 3) + 11

=u^2 + 8u + 11

a = 1

b = 8

c = 11

Solve using the quadratic formula. 

The Quadratic formula:

x = −b ± √(b^2 − 4ac)/2a

is used to solve quadratic equations where a ≠ 0, in the form
ax^2+bx+c=0

When b^2−4ac=0 there is one real root.

When b^2−4ac>0 there are two real roots.

When b^2−4ac<0 there are no real roots, only a complex number.

Substitute the given values of a, b and c to the quadratic formula.

u = −b ± √(b^2 − 4ac)/2a

u = −(8) ± √((8)^2 − 4(1)(11))/2(1)

u = −8 ± √(64 - 44)/2

u = −8 ± √(20)/2

u = −8 ± 4.47/2

Solve for ± separately.

u = -8 + 4.47 / 2
u = -4.47/2
u = -2.235

u = -8 - 4.47/2
u = -12.47/2
u = -6.235

Final answer:

u = -2.235

u = -6.235