Question

Zacharias is using the quadratic formula to solve the equation 0 = –2x2 + 5x – 3. He begins by substituting as shown.

Quadratic formula: x = StartFraction negative b plus or minus StartRoot b squared minus 4 a c EndRoot Over 2 a EndFraction
Substitution: x = StartFraction negative 5 plus or minus StartRoot 5 squared minus 4(2)(negative 3) EndRoot Over 2(negative 2) EndFraction
What error did Zacharias make?

Answer 1

0 = –2x2 + 5x – 3

means your a = -2, b = 5, and c = -3

there's a sign error somewhere. check the substitution step carefully.

if you're still stuck I'd be happy to help you out.