Quadratic Formula
How do I use the quadratic formula to solve a quadratic equation?
- A quadratic equation has the form:
ax2 + bx + c = 0 (as long as a ≠ 0)
- you need "= 0" on one side
- The quadratic formula is a formula that gives both solutions:
- Read off the values of a, b and c from the equation
- Substitute these into the formula
- write this line of working in the exam
- Put brackets around any negative numbers being substituted in
- To solve using the quadratic formula:
- a = 2, b = -5 and c = 2
- Carefully simplify by doing the calculation in parts
- Separate the + and - to get the two answers
- On the non-calculator paper, answers may be required in exact form
- On the calculator paper, you might have to round your answers
- Give your answers in exact form before rounding in case you round incorrectly
Examiner Tip
- On the calculator paper you will be able to check your solutions using the quadratic equation solver feature if your calculator has one
- Always look for how the question wants you to leave your final answers
- for example, correct to 2 decimal places
Worked example
Use the quadratic formula, without a calculator, to find the exact solutions of the equation .
Write down the values of a, b and c
Substitute these values into the quadratic formula,
Put brackets around any negative numbers
Simplify
Work out the + and - parts separately to get the two solutions