2x^2 - 5x + 1 = 3
Subtract 3 from both sides
2x^2 - 5x + 1 - 3 = 3 - 3
2x^2 - 5x - 2 = 0
Use quadratic formula with A = 2, B = - 5, C = - 2
x = - b +- sqrt b^2 - 4ac/2a
x = - ( - 5) +- sqrt (- 5)^2 - 4(2)( - 2)/(2)(2)
x = 5 +- sqrt 41/4
x = 5/4 + 1/4sqrt 41 or x = 5/4 + - 1/4 sqrt 41
Answer: x = 5/4 + 1/4 sqrt 41
x = 5/4 + - 1/4 sqrt 41
Hope that helps!!!!! (D)