Solve x^2=3(x-1)^2

To start with, we want to put this into quadratic form, where we have ax^2+bx+c=0. We notice that there are terms on both sides of the equation. So we can expand the right hand side and then bring all the terms to one side. To make it easier to visualise and expand , we can write (x-1)^2 as (x-1)(x-1). If we take RHS as 3(x-1)^2 we have,RHS: 3(x-1)(x-1)=3(x^2-x-x+1)= 3(x^2-2x+1)=3x^2-6x+3
Now we subtract the LHS x^2 from both sides. So 2x^2-6x+3=0. To factorise this we want to find two terms that multiply to make 3 and add together to make six. There is no combination of integers that do this so we use the quadratic equation formula. This gives x=(-(-6)±sqrroot((-6)^2-4(2)(3))/2(2) =(6 ±sqrroot(12))/4. So x=2.37 and x=0.63 (2.d.p)

JU
Answered by Joshua U. Maths tutor

3265 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

The tangent to a point P (p, pi/2) on the curve x=(4y-sin2y)^2 hits the y axis at point A, find the coordinates of this point.


The parametric equations of a curve are: x = cos2θ y = sinθcosθ. Find the cartesian form of the equation.


Find the exact value of dy/dx at (-2,4) of the curve C: 4x^2 -y^2 + 6xy + 2^y = 0


A circle C with centre at the point (2, –1) passes through the point A at (4, –5). Find an equation for the circle C.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning