NRICH: Mega Quadratic Equations
NRICH: Mega Quadratic Equations
What do you get when you raise a quadratic to the power of a quadratic?
There are six possible solutions to each of the following equations. Can you find them all?
1. (n2−5n+5)(n2−11n+30)=1
2. (n2−7n+11)(n2−13n+42)=1
Can you find some more Mega Quadratic Equations like these?
With thanks to Don Steward, whose ideas formed the basis of this problem.
Age 16 to 18
NRICH (University of Cambridge)
Math Topics
Algebra & Pre-Algebra, Equations
High School, Educator
9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
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NRICH (University of Cambridge)
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Resource k12
NRICH: Mega Quadratic Equations
What do you get when you raise a quadratic to the power of a quadratic?
There are six possible solutions to each of the following equations. Can you find them all?
1. (n2−5n+5)(n2−11n+30)=1
2. (n2−7n+11)(n2−13n+42)=1
Can you find some more Mega Quadratic Equations like these?
With thanks to Don Steward, whose ideas formed the basis of this problem.
Age 16 to 18
NRICH (University of Cambridge)
Math Topics
Algebra & Pre-Algebra, Equations
High School, Educator
9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
What are you looking for?
Organization
NRICH (University of Cambridge)
Website URL
Type of Resource
Challenge