(1/a)+(2/a^2)=0
Solved for zero
I'm unsure about the process to solve this, when I do it like my teacher says, it doesn't work. This is for an online advanced math class in which you get three tries to solve the problem. I have already used two. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
1/a + 2/a^2 = 0
a/a^2 + 2/a^2 = 0
(a+2)/a^2 = 0
a+2 = 0
a = -2
check:
1/-2 + 2/4 = -1/2 + 1/2 = 0
Thanks, that was a great help. I'll most likely be back. This is a really tough class.
To solve the equation (1/a) + (2/a^2) = 0, we can follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a common denominator for both terms on the left side of the equation. In this case, the common denominator is a^2 since a^2 is a common multiple of both a and a^2.
Step 2: Rewrite each term with the common denominator.
(1/a) + (2/a^2) = (a^2/a^2) * (1/a) + (2/a^2) = (a^2 + 2) / a^2
Step 3: Set the numerator equal to zero.
a^2 + 2 = 0
Step 4: Rearrange the equation to isolate the variable.
a^2 = -2
Step 5: Take the square root of both sides.
√(a^2) = √(-2)
Since the square root of a^2 is just the absolute value of a, we can rewrite the equation as:
|a| = √(-2)
Step 6: Since √(-2) is a complex number, there are no real solutions to this equation. Therefore, it is not possible to solve the equation (1/a) + (2/a^2) = 0 for zero.
If you have already used two of your three attempts, it may be worth double-checking your approach or seeking assistance from your instructor or classmates. Remember that in mathematics, it's crucial to consider the restrictions and possible outcomes of an equation before attempting to solve it.