Problema Solution
A scientist wants to research the potential spread of germs by contact. she knows that the number of possible handshakes within a group of n people is given by the equation N=1/2(n^2-n)
how many people attended the party?
Answer provided by our tutors
N= 1/2 (x squared minus x)
N= 78
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Solve for "x":
(1/2)(x^2-x) = 78
x^2-x = 156
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x^2-x-156 = 0
Factor:
(x+12)(x-13) = 0
Positive solution:
x = 13