November 24, 2022

Quadratic Equation Formula, Examples

If you going to try to solve quadratic equations, we are enthusiastic about your venture in math! This is actually where the amusing part starts!

The information can appear overwhelming at start. But, give yourself a bit of grace and space so there’s no pressure or strain while figuring out these problems. To master quadratic equations like a professional, you will need a good sense of humor, patience, and good understanding.

Now, let’s start learning!

What Is the Quadratic Equation?

At its core, a quadratic equation is a arithmetic formula that portrays various situations in which the rate of change is quadratic or relative to the square of few variable.

However it may look similar to an abstract concept, it is simply an algebraic equation expressed like a linear equation. It ordinarily has two answers and uses complex roots to figure out them, one positive root and one negative, through the quadratic formula. Unraveling both the roots will be equal to zero.

Meaning of a Quadratic Equation

First, 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 plug these variables into the quadratic formula! (We’ll look at it next.)

Ever quadratic equations can be scripted like this, which results in figuring them out simply, comparatively speaking.

Example of a quadratic equation

Let’s compare the given equation to the last formula:

x2 + 5x + 6 = 0

As we can see, there are two variables and an independent term, and one of the variables is squared. Therefore, compared to the quadratic equation, we can confidently say this is a quadratic equation.

Generally, you can observe these types of formulas when measuring a parabola, which is a U-shaped curve that can be plotted on an XY axis with the data that a quadratic equation offers us.

Now that we understand what quadratic equations are and what they appear like, let’s move forward to working them out.

How to Figure out a Quadratic Equation Utilizing the Quadratic Formula

While quadratic equations might appear greatly complex initially, they can be cut down into several easy steps employing a straightforward formula. The formula for working out quadratic equations consists of setting the equal terms and utilizing basic algebraic operations like multiplication and division to obtain two results.

After all functions have been performed, we can figure out the units of the variable. The answer take us another step nearer to work out the answer to our actual problem.

Steps to Solving a Quadratic Equation Employing the Quadratic Formula

Let’s promptly plug in the general quadratic equation once more so we don’t overlook what it seems like

ax2 + bx + c=0

Ahead of solving anything, remember to isolate the variables on one side of the equation. Here are the 3 steps to solve a quadratic equation.

Step 1: Write the equation in standard mode.

If there are variables on either side of the equation, total 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 possible

The standard equation you will conclude with should be factored, generally through the perfect square method. If it isn’t possible, replace the terms in the quadratic formula, that will be your best friend for working out quadratic equations. The quadratic formula looks like this:

x=-bb2-4ac2a

All the terms correspond to the equivalent terms in a conventional form of a quadratic equation. You’ll be employing this a lot, so it pays to memorize it.

Step 3: Apply the zero product rule and work out the linear equation to discard possibilities.

Now once you have 2 terms equivalent to zero, solve them to attain two solutions for x. We possess 2 results because the answer for a square root can either be negative or positive.

Example 1

2x2 + 4x - x2 = 5

At the moment, let’s piece down this equation. First, streamline and put it in the standard form.

x2 + 4x - 5 = 0

Immediately, let's identify the terms. If we contrast these to a standard quadratic equation, we will find the coefficients of x as follows:

a=1

b=4

c=-5

To solve quadratic equations, let's put this into the quadratic formula and solve for “+/-” to include each square root.

x=-bb2-4ac2a

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

We figure out the second-degree equation to obtain:

x=-416+202

x=-4362

Next, let’s simplify the square root to obtain two linear equations and solve:

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

x = 1 x = -5


Now, you have your answers! You can review your workings by checking these terms with the first 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 solved your first quadratic equation utilizing the quadratic formula! Congratulations!

Example 2

Let's work on one more example.

3x2 + 13x = 10


Let’s begin, put it in the standard form so it results in zero.


3x2 + 13x - 10 = 0


To figure out this, we will substitute in the figures like this:

a = 3

b = 13

c = -10


Work out x employing the quadratic formula!

x=-bb2-4ac2a

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


Let’s clarify this as much as workable by solving it exactly like we performed in the last example. Figure out all easy equations step by step.


x=-13169-(-120)6

x=-132896


You can solve for x by considering 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 utilizing 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 figure out quadratic equations like a professional with little patience and practice!


Given this synopsis of quadratic equations and their fundamental formula, learners can now tackle this challenging topic with confidence. By starting with this simple explanation, kids gain a firm understanding ahead of taking on further complex ideas later in their academics.

Grade Potential Can Assist You with the Quadratic Equation

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

With Grade Potential, you can study all the handy tricks to ace your next math examination. Turn into a confident quadratic equation solver so you are prepared for the ensuing intricate ideas in your math studies.