What is the value of a if a+b=5 and ab=-2

      5 ±sqrt( 33)

a=  

                  2

Step-by-step explanation:

a+b=5 and ab=-2

Take the second equation and divide by a

ab/a = -2/a

b = -2/a

Substitute this into the first equation

a + -2/a = 5

Multiply each side by a

a( a + -2/a = 5)

Distribute

a^2 -2 = 5a

Subtract 5a from each side

a^2 -5a -2 = 0

Using the quadratic equation

       5 ±sqrt( 5^2 - 4*1*(-2))

a=  

                   2(1)

      5 ±sqrt( 25 +8))

a=  

                   2(1)

      5 ±sqrt( 33)

a=  

                  2

  or  

Step-by-step explanation:

a + b = 5 (Eq. 1)

ab = -2 (Eq. 2)

Solve Eq. 1 for b.

b = 5 - a

Plug in 5 - a for b in Eq. 2.

a(5 - a) = -2

Distribute a.

-a^2 + 5a = -2

Multiply both sides by -1.

a^2 - 5a = 2

Complete the square.

a^2 - 5a + (5/2)^2 = 2 + (5/2)^2

(a - 5/2)^2 = 4/4 + 29/4

a - 5/2 = sqrt(33/4)   or   a - 5/2 = -sqrt(33/4)

a = 5/2 + sqrt(33)/2   or   a = 5/2 - sqrt(33)/2

  or  

graph them on a graphing calculator, press 2nd trace. select intersect. hit enter until it says answer. ti 84 works best

step-by-step explanation: