Showing posts with label Peculiar Facts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peculiar Facts. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

solution of a quadratic equation geometrically

A geometrical method of solving quadratic equations.

To Solve the quadratic equation x^ 2 - ax + b = 0 using a ruler and compasses only.


Given : a line with the points Y and Z having coordinates (0,1) and (a,b) respectively.

1.Find the centre of the circle YZ by bisecting the diameter YZ in the usual manner.

2.Draw the circle with diameter YZ.

3.The circle YZ cuts the horizontal (X) axis at X1 and X2 with coordinates (x1,0) and (x2,0) where these are the roots of the original quadratic equation x^ 2 - ax + b = 0

It is an easy method ecause this method is so simple, but people prefer to use the algebraic method instead. That's because this method is so highly sensitive to the slightest inaccuracy in your drawing of the circle.


Wednesday, September 5, 2007

A spelling quilt

A spelling quilt

E4 I17 N2 S16
L24 F9 T20 R6
W25 U12 G22 O7
V1 X27 Y11 H3

Here's how to use the spelling quilt:
Choose any NUMBER on the quilt. Spell it out, using the LETTERS on the quilt. You should ADD the numbers written with black as you spell. And you should SUBTRACT the numbers written with red as you spell. The result will be the number.