Question

Can anyone help me with the following problem? I don't understand the terms "root" and "constant", or their implications.

One of the roots of the equation x²+kx-6=0 is 3, and k is a constant. Which is greater?:

A. value of k
B. -1

Answer 1

root is the solution or the values of x which satisfies the given equation
constant refers to any number

Answer 2

in this case the constant is the term without a pronumeral... so the constant term is -6

root is a value of x that makes the equation equal zero....

Answer 3

substitiute x = 3 into your equation

(3)^2 + k(3) - 6 = 0

then 9 + 3k - 6 =0

or 3k +3 = 0

find the value of k by solving the above equation

Answer 4

the correct term for k is that is is a coefficient of x... or the number associated with the term involving x

Answer 5

Ok, thank you both. So after substituting 3 for x, I've arrived at: k=-5, which means the value of answer B is greater. Did I do this right?

Answer 6

ummmm I would have said k = -1

Answer 7

Ok, let me give you my process and you tell me where I went wrong:

3²+k(3)-6=0
9+3k-6=0 subtract 6 from each side
9+3k=-6 subtract 9 from each side
3k=-15 divide each side by 3
k=-5

Answer 8

OH woops! I was supposed to ADD 6...lol... ok lemme try that again...

Answer 9

Okay, now I get k=-1. So many details to remember!!! :)
Thank you for your help!!!

Answer 10

good luck..