To solve the quadratic equation \(2x^2 - 5x - 3 = 0\), we can use the quadratic formula \(x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\), where \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) are the coefficients of the equation \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\).
Solution Approach
Identify the coefficients \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) from the quadratic equation.
Use the quadratic formula to find the roots of the equation.
Step 1: Identify the Coefficients
The given quadratic equation is \(2x^2 - 5x - 3 = 0\). Here, the coefficients are:
\(a = 2\)
\(b = -5\)
\(c = -3\)
Step 2: Calculate the Discriminant
The discriminant \(D\) is calculated using the formula:
\[
D = b^2 - 4ac
\]
Substituting the values:
\[
D = (-5)^2 - 4 \cdot 2 \cdot (-3) = 25 + 24 = 49
\]
Step 3: Find the Roots
Using the quadratic formula:
\[
x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{D}}{2a}
\]
Substituting the values:
\[
x = \frac{-(-5) \pm \sqrt{49}}{2 \cdot 2} = \frac{5 \pm 7}{4}
\]
Calculating the two possible values for \(x\):
For the positive root:
\[
x_1 = \frac{5 + 7}{4} = \frac{12}{4} = 3.0
\]
For the negative root:
\[
x_2 = \frac{5 - 7}{4} = \frac{-2}{4} = -0.5
\]
Final Answer
The roots of the equation \(2x^2 - 5x - 3 = 0\) are:
\[
\boxed{x_1 = 3.0}
\]
\[
\boxed{x_2 = -0.5}
\]