Solve Quadratic Equation: Finding Study Days When Reading 30+4x Pages Daily

Question

Andrea is preparing for a History exam.

Each day she reads 30+4x 30+4x pages of a book and in total studies for x+5 x+5 days.

If Andrea reads 4x2+650 4x^2+650 pages in total, then for how many days does she study?

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll need to correctly setup and solve an equation that relates all given quantities. Here are the steps:

  • Step 1: Setup the equation.
    Since Andrea reads 30+4x 30 + 4x pages per day and studies for x+5 x + 5 days, the total number of pages she reads is: (30+4x)(x+5)=4x2+650 (30 + 4x)(x + 5) = 4x^2 + 650
  • Step 2: Expand and simplify the equation.
    Expanding the left-hand side, we have: (30+4x)(x+5)=30(x+5)+4x(x+5) (30 + 4x)(x + 5) = 30(x + 5) + 4x(x + 5) =30x+150+4x2+20x = 30x + 150 + 4x^2 + 20x Combine like terms: =4x2+50x+150 = 4x^2 + 50x + 150 Now, equate to the total pages: 4x2+50x+150=4x2+650 4x^2 + 50x + 150 = 4x^2 + 650
  • Step 3: Simplify and solve for x x .
    Subtract 4x2 4x^2 from both sides: 50x+150=650 50x + 150 = 650 Subtract 150 from both sides: 50x=500 50x = 500 Divide by 50: x=10 x = 10 Since Andrea studies for x+5 x + 5 days, substitute x=10 x = 10 : x+5=10+5=15 x + 5 = 10 + 5 = 15

Therefore, Andrea studies for 15\mathbf{15} days.

Answer

15