Question 64-x-2

2.2 Nonlinear Equations in One Variable - Quadratic solving (factoring, quadratic formula, completing square)
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64 x 2 + b x + 25 = 0

In the given equation, b is a constant. For which of the following values of b will the equation have more than one real solution?

A.

-91

B.

-80

C.

5

D.

40

64 x 2 + b x + 25 = 0 In the given equation, b is

Hard-difficulty · SAT Math · Nonlinear Equations in One Variable — Quadratic solving (factoring, quadratic formula, completing square). Read the question above, select your answer, and check the full explanation below to understand exactly why the correct choice works.

Answer explanation

Choice A is correct. A quadratic equation of the form ax2+bx+c=0, where a , b , and c are constants, has either no real solutions, exactly one real solution, or exactly two real solutions. That is, for the given equation to have more than one real solution, it must have exactly two real solutions. When the value of the discriminant, or b2-4ac, is greater than 0, the given equation has exactly two real solutions. In the given equation, 64x2+bx+25=0, a=64 and c=25. Therefore, the given equation has exactly two real solutions when b2-46425>0, or b2-6,400>0. Adding 6,400 to both sides of this inequality yields b2>6,400. Taking the square root of both sides of b2>6,400 yields two possible inequalities: b<-80 or b>80. Of the choices, only choice A satisfies b<-80 or b>80.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.