Maya R.8:02 PM
Let's start with the homework problem you sent. Can you share which one is giving you trouble?
You8:03 PM
Problem 14b — 2x² + 7x + 3 = 0. I keep getting stuck when the leading coefficient isn't 1.
algebra-hw-ch4.pdf · 240 KB
Maya R.8:04 PM
Perfect, that's exactly the kind we'll cover. I'm going to walk through the "ac method" on the whiteboard — watch and stop me whenever a step doesn't make sense.
You8:18 PM
Wait — how did you know to pick 6 and 1 and not 2 and 3?
Maya R.8:19 PM
Great catch. Both pairs multiply to 6, but only 6+1 adds to 7 (which is the middle coefficient). 2+3 only adds to 5. The sum is the constraint that picks the pair.
You8:20 PM
Oh okay that makes sense. Can we try one more like this together?