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Mathematics 15 Online
OpenStudy (anonymous):

Solve 5x2 = –45x.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

\[5x^2 = -45x ?\] \[=> 5x = -45\] \[=> x = -9\]

OpenStudy (anonymous):

thanks!

hero (hero):

No, you do not divide both sides by x. That is not the first step.

hero (hero):

A Quadratic always has two solutions unless it is a perfect square.

hero (hero):

\[ \\5x^2 = –45x \\5x^2 + 45x = 0 \\5x(x + 9) = 0 \\5x = 0 \\x + 9 = 0 \\x = 0 \\x = -9 \]

hero (hero):

The rule is "Never divide by the variable you are trying to solve for".

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