>> So d = -340 K + 3,400 = 4.905 K^2.
>>
>> At this point, I have insufficient knowledge of algebra to deduce a 
>> solution, although obviously one exists.
> 
> You should learn how to calculate the solution to equations like this, 
> they come up everywhere:
> 
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadratic_equation

Solving a single quadratic equation is trivial. Solving a pair of linear 
equations is trivial. But I have no idea how to solve a pair of 
equations where one is linear and the other isn't.

[Actually, I can still remember sitting down and deriving the quadratic 
formula from first principles. It's quite instructive! Whoever it was 
that figured out that A*B - 4*(A+B) = A-B is some kind of genius if you 
ask me... The next day I tried to do the same with a cubic, but... uh... 
failed.]

-- 
http://blog.orphi.me.uk/
http://www.zazzle.com/MathematicalOrchid*

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