Question

Use complete sentences to explain how you would use graphing technology to find the solutions of 0 = −x2 + 2.5x + 1. What do the solutions of 0 = −x2 + 2.5x + 1 represent on the graph of the equation?

Answer 1

Slowly, gently, I maneuver my hand across the keys, deftly avoiding the pitfalls between them, as though they were deadly chasms, no matter the absurdity; my mind wanders slightly. Drawn to the key of control, no longer aching to touch it, my finger now firmly depresses the key. Briefly, with only a tiny tap-tap-tapping of the faintest sort, I crush the C key under my dauntless middle finger's weight. Moving forward, amidst a cacophony of sound, my hands act seemingly of their own accord as they fly without pilot but without falter across the LED-lighted realm that is my keyboard. With only a momentary brush of the mouse I fill the address bar with my wish. My command, and mine alone, my computer obeys. At the speed of light (plus some overhead) I am brought to the pinnacle of mathematical achievement, this Babel of wordless yet beautifully formulaic wonderland, the engine known as WolframAlpha. Pasting as I had copied before, a robot but for the flesh that holds me, the final keystroke rings harsh in my ear. The deed is done. I have graphed your function.

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=0+%3D+%E2%88%92x2+%2B+2.5x+%2B+1