Solve the equation \(4x - 11x^{\frac{1}{2}} + 6 = 0\), showing all necessary steps.
Solution
Let \(u = x^{\frac{1}{2}}\), then \(u^2 = x\).
The equation becomes:
\(4u^2 - 11u + 6 = 0\)
Factor the quadratic equation:
\((4u - 3)(u - 2) = 0\)
Set each factor to zero:
\(4u - 3 = 0 \quad \text{or} \quad u - 2 = 0\)
Solve for \(u\):
\(u = \frac{3}{4} \quad \text{or} \quad u = 2\)
Since \(u = x^{\frac{1}{2}}\), square both sides to find \(x\):
\(x = \left(\frac{3}{4}\right)^2 = \frac{9}{16} \quad \text{or} \quad x = 2^2 = 4\)
Thus, the solutions are \(x = \frac{9}{16}\) or \(x = 4\).
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