Question

Solve the following equation 0.3089R2 – 0.4033R – 0.1242=0?

(a) 2.45

(b) 1.31

(c) 8.9

(d) 7.8

This question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.

My query is from The Jafarey, Dougles and Mcavoy Equation in chapter Column Process Design, Optimization and Shortcut Calculations of Distillation Design

Answer 1

Right option is (b) 1.31

The explanation is: Using quadratic formula f(x) =0.3089R2 – 0.4033R – 0.1242, and at f (1.31) = 0 we can conclude and thus R=1.31.