SOLVE AN EQUATION? FIND A ZERO? YOUR CHOICE!

LESSON READ-THROUGH
by Dr. Carol JVF Burns (website creator)
Follow along with the highlighted text while you listen!
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In this section, ‘equation’ refers to an equation in one variable, and ‘function’ refers to a function that takes a single input (a number) and gives a single output (a number).

Solve an equation...

Suppose you're asked to solve the equation $\,x^2 = -1\,.$

You'll need some clarification:

Find a zero...

Now, suppose you're asked to find the zeros of the function $\,f\,$ defined by $\,f(x) = x^2 + 1\,.$
That is, you want inputs whose output is zero.
That is, you want values of $\,x\,$ for which $\,f(x) = 0\,.$
That is, you want values of $\,x\,$ for which $\,x^2 + 1 = 0\,.$
That is, you want values of $\,x\,$ for which $\,x^2 = -1\,.$
Now, you'll need the same clarification as above.

Your Choice!

Notice something?

In both cases, you'll need clarification.
Are you wanting only real number solutions/zeros?
Or, are you allowing any complex number for the solutions/zeros?

Master the ideas from this section
by practicing the exercise at the bottom of this page.


When you're done practicing, move on to:
the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

On this exercise, you will not key in your answer.
However, you can check to see if your answer is correct.
PROBLEM TYPES:
1 2 3 4 5 6
AVAILABLE MASTERED IN PROGRESS

(MAX is 6; there are 6 different problem types.)