Tool to apply the quadratic formula to any polynomial of degree 2 (ax ^ 2 + bx + c) from the expression of the trinomial or the values of a, b and c.
Quadratic Formula - dCode
Tag(s) : Arithmetics
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Quadratic Formula
Quadratic Formula Calculator
Answers to Questions (FAQ)
What is the quadratic formula? (Definition)
The quadratic formula is the name given to a mathematical expression allowing to find the solutions of a quadratic equation (presented in the form of a polynomial of degree 2 equal to 0). This is the easiest method and therefore the most often taught.
For any polynomial $ P $ of order 2, of variable $ x $ denoted $$ P(x) = ax^2+bx+c $$ the solutions of $ P(x) = 0 $ are given by the quadratic formula $$ x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} $$
The formula involves the symbol $ \pm $ (plus or minus) which means that $ x $ can take 2 values, the first calculated with the sign $ + $ (plus), the second with the sign $ - $ (minus).
How to apply the quadratic formula?
From a polynomial of degree 2, of variable $ x $:
— Expand and reduce the expression of the polynomial if necessary
— Note $ a $ the coefficient associated with $ x^2 $
— Note $ b $ the coefficient associated with $ x $
— Note $ c $ the remaining constant
— Calculate the solutions $$ x_1 = \frac{-b + \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \\ x_2 = \frac{-b - \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} $$
Example: $ 5x^2+3(x+1)-4 $ expands to $ 5x^2+3x-1 $, the values of the coefficients are $ a = 5, b = 3, c = -1 $, the solutions are $ x_1 = \frac{-3+\sqrt{29}}{10} $ and $ x_2 = \frac{-3-\sqrt{29}}{10} $
If $ b^2 - 4ac = 0 $ then there is only one solution.
What is the demonstration of the quadratic formula?
From the initial equation $$ ax^2+bx+c = 0 $$
— Divide by $ a $: $$ x^2 + \frac{b}{a} x + \frac{c}{a}=0 $$
— Subtract $ \frac{c}{a} $: $$ x^2 + \frac{b}{a} x = -\frac{c}{a} $$
— Apply the square completion, so add $ \left( \frac{b}{2a} \right)^2 $ to get $$ x^2 + \frac{b}{a} x + \left( \frac{b}{2a} \right)^2 = -\frac{c}{a} + \left( \frac{b}{2a} \right)^2 $$
— Simplify $$ \left( x + \frac{b}{2a} \right)^2 = -\frac{c}{a} + \frac{b^2}{4a^2} $$
— Rearrange the fractions on the right over their common denominator $ 4a^2 $: $$ \left( x + \frac{b}{2a} \right)^2 = \frac{b^2-4ac}{4a^2} $$
— Calculate the square root: $$ x + \frac{b}{2a} = \pm \frac{\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a} $$
— Isolate $ x $ to get the final formula: $$ x = \frac{ -b \pm \sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a} $$
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