November 24, 2022

Quadratic Equation Formula, Examples

If you’re starting to work on quadratic equations, we are thrilled regarding your journey in mathematics! This is really where the most interesting things begins!

The details can look too much at start. However, provide yourself some grace and space so there’s no hurry or stress when solving these problems. To be efficient at quadratic equations like an expert, you will require understanding, patience, and a sense of humor.

Now, let’s begin learning!

What Is the Quadratic Equation?

At its core, a quadratic equation is a arithmetic formula that states different scenarios in which the rate of change is quadratic or relative to the square of some variable.

Though it may look similar to an abstract concept, it is just an algebraic equation expressed like a linear equation. It ordinarily has two results and uses complicated roots to figure out them, one positive root and one negative, employing the quadratic equation. Working out both the roots will be equal to zero.

Definition of a Quadratic Equation

Foremost, keep in mind that a quadratic expression is a polynomial equation that comprises of a quadratic function. It is a second-degree equation, and its conventional form is:

ax2 + bx + c

Where “a,” “b,” and “c” are variables. We can utilize this formula to work out x if we replace these terms into the quadratic formula! (We’ll look at it next.)

All quadratic equations can be scripted like this, that makes figuring them out easy, comparatively speaking.

Example of a quadratic equation

Let’s contrast the following equation to the last formula:

x2 + 5x + 6 = 0

As we can observe, there are 2 variables and an independent term, and one of the variables is squared. Thus, linked to the quadratic formula, we can surely state this is a quadratic equation.

Usually, you can see these types of formulas when scaling a parabola, which is a U-shaped curve that can be graphed on an XY axis with the details that a quadratic equation provides us.

Now that we learned what quadratic equations are and what they look like, let’s move ahead to solving them.

How to Work on a Quadratic Equation Employing the Quadratic Formula

Although quadratic equations might look very complex when starting, they can be divided into multiple easy steps using an easy formula. The formula for working out quadratic equations includes setting the equal terms and using basic algebraic functions like multiplication and division to get 2 results.

After all functions have been executed, we can figure out the numbers of the variable. The results take us one step nearer to find answer to our original question.

Steps to Solving a Quadratic Equation Using the Quadratic Formula

Let’s quickly place in the general quadratic equation once more so we don’t omit what it seems like

ax2 + bx + c=0

Ahead of solving anything, keep in mind to separate the variables on one side of the equation. Here are the three steps to work on a quadratic equation.

Step 1: Note the equation in conventional mode.

If there are variables on both sides of the equation, sum all alike terms on one side, so the left-hand side of the equation equals zero, just like the standard mode of a quadratic equation.

Step 2: Factor the equation if workable

The standard equation you will conclude with must be factored, ordinarily utilizing the perfect square method. If it isn’t workable, plug the variables in the quadratic formula, which will be your best friend for solving quadratic equations. The quadratic formula looks similar to this:

x=-bb2-4ac2a

Every terms coincide to the same terms in a conventional form of a quadratic equation. You’ll be using this significantly, so it pays to memorize it.

Step 3: Apply the zero product rule and figure out the linear equation to remove possibilities.

Now once you possess 2 terms resulting in zero, solve them to achieve 2 solutions for x. We get two answers due to the fact that the answer for a square root can either be negative or positive.

Example 1

2x2 + 4x - x2 = 5

Now, let’s fragment down this equation. Primarily, simplify and place it in the conventional form.

x2 + 4x - 5 = 0

Now, let's recognize the terms. If we compare these to a standard quadratic equation, we will find the coefficients of x as follows:

a=1

b=4

c=-5

To figure out quadratic equations, let's replace this into the quadratic formula and work out “+/-” to include each square root.

x=-bb2-4ac2a

x=-442-(4*1*-5)2*1

We solve the second-degree equation to achieve:

x=-416+202

x=-4362

Now, let’s clarify the square root to obtain two linear equations and work out:

x=-4+62 x=-4-62

x = 1 x = -5


After that, you have your result! You can revise your work by checking these terms with the original equation.


12 + (4*1) - 5 = 0

1 + 4 - 5 = 0

Or

-52 + (4*-5) - 5 = 0

25 - 20 - 5 = 0

That's it! You've worked out your first quadratic equation utilizing the quadratic formula! Congrats!

Example 2

Let's check out another example.

3x2 + 13x = 10


Let’s begin, put it in the standard form so it equals 0.


3x2 + 13x - 10 = 0


To solve this, we will plug in the figures like this:

a = 3

b = 13

c = -10


Solve for x employing the quadratic formula!

x=-bb2-4ac2a

x=-13132-(4*3x-10)2*3


Let’s streamline this as much as feasible by working it out just like we executed in the prior example. Figure out all simple equations step by step.


x=-13169-(-120)6

x=-132896


You can solve for x by taking the positive and negative square roots.

x=-13+176 x=-13-176

x=46 x=-306

x=23 x=-5



Now, you have your answer! You can revise your work using substitution.

3*(2/3)2 + (13*2/3) - 10 = 0

4/3 + 26/3 - 10 = 0

30/3 - 10 = 0

10 - 10 = 0

Or

3*-52 + (13*-5) - 10 = 0

75 - 65 - 10 =0


And that's it! You will solve quadratic equations like a pro with some practice and patience!


Granted this summary of quadratic equations and their fundamental formula, learners can now tackle this complex topic with confidence. By starting with this straightforward definitions, children acquire a firm grasp before taking on further complex ideas down in their academics.

Grade Potential Can Guide You with the Quadratic Equation

If you are battling to understand these concepts, you may need a math teacher to help you. It is better to ask for help before you trail behind.

With Grade Potential, you can understand all the helpful hints to ace your subsequent mathematics exam. Become a confident quadratic equation solver so you are prepared for the ensuing intricate ideas in your mathematical studies.