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If a = 0.1039, evaluate √(4a<sup>2</sup> − 4a + 1) + 3a.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 1.1039

Explanation:

Problem restatement
Compute √(4a2 − 4a + 1) + 3a for a = 0.1039.


Concept/Approach
Recognize a perfect-square trinomial: 4a2 − 4a + 1 = (2a − 1)2. Then √( (2a − 1)2 ) = |2a − 1|.


Step-by-step calculation
2a − 1 = 2(0.1039) − 1 = 0.2078 − 1 = −0.7922|2a − 1| = 0.79223a = 3 × 0.1039 = 0.3117Sum = 0.7922 + 0.3117 = 1.1039


Verification/Alternative
Algebraic shortcut: |2a − 1| + 3a = (1 − 2a) + 3a = 1 + a, since 2a − 1 < 0. With a = 0.1039 ⇒ 1 + a = 1.1039.


Common pitfalls
Dropping the absolute value when taking the square root of a square.


Final Answer
1.1039

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