November 24, 2022

Quadratic Equation Formula, Examples

If you going to try to solve quadratic equations, we are excited about your adventure in math! This is indeed where the fun begins!

The information can look enormous at start. Despite that, offer yourself a bit of grace and space so there’s no hurry or stress while solving these problems. To be competent at quadratic equations like a pro, you will need a good sense of humor, patience, and good understanding.

Now, let’s begin learning!

What Is the Quadratic Equation?

At its center, a quadratic equation is a math formula that portrays various situations in which the rate of deviation is quadratic or proportional to the square of some variable.

Though it seems like an abstract theory, it is just an algebraic equation expressed like a linear equation. It usually has two solutions and uses intricate roots to work out them, one positive root and one negative, employing the quadratic formula. Working out both the roots will be equal to zero.

Definition of a Quadratic Equation

Primarily, bear in mind that a quadratic expression is a polynomial equation that comprises of a quadratic function. It is a second-degree equation, and its standard form is:

ax2 + bx + c

Where “a,” “b,” and “c” are variables. We can employ this equation to work out x if we replace these numbers into the quadratic formula! (We’ll subsequently check it.)

All quadratic equations can be written like this, which makes working them out easy, relatively speaking.

Example of a quadratic equation

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

x2 + 5x + 6 = 0

As we can see, there are 2 variables and an independent term, and one of the variables is squared. Consequently, compared to the quadratic equation, we can confidently tell this is a quadratic equation.

Usually, you can find these kinds 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 gives us.

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

How to Solve a Quadratic Equation Employing the Quadratic Formula

Although quadratic equations might look very intricate when starting, they can be divided into few simple steps using a simple formula. The formula for figuring out quadratic equations consists of creating the equal terms and utilizing rudimental algebraic functions like multiplication and division to obtain two answers.

After all operations have been performed, we can figure out the numbers of the variable. The solution take us another step nearer to discover result to our actual problem.

Steps to Solving a Quadratic Equation Using the Quadratic Formula

Let’s promptly put in the original quadratic equation once more so we don’t omit what it looks like

ax2 + bx + c=0

Before figuring out anything, keep in mind to detach 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 either side of the equation, add all equivalent terms on one side, so the left-hand side of the equation equals zero, just like the standard model 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 process. If it isn’t workable, plug the terms in the quadratic formula, that will be your best friend for solving quadratic equations. The quadratic formula seems something like this:

x=-bb2-4ac2a

Every terms correspond to the same terms in a conventional form of a quadratic equation. You’ll be employing this significantly, so it is wise to remember it.

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

Now once you possess two terms equivalent to zero, figure out them to achieve 2 results for x. We possess 2 results due to the fact that the answer for a square root can be both negative or positive.

Example 1

2x2 + 4x - x2 = 5

At the moment, let’s fragment down this equation. Primarily, simplify and put it in the standard form.

x2 + 4x - 5 = 0

Now, let's determine 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 figure out quadratic equations, let's replace this into the quadratic formula and find the solution “+/-” to include both 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 attain two linear equations and figure out:

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

x = 1 x = -5


Next, you have your answers! You can check your workings by checking these terms with the initial 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 figured out your first quadratic equation utilizing the quadratic formula! Kudos!

Example 2

Let's try another example.

3x2 + 13x = 10


Initially, put it in the standard form so it equals 0.


3x2 + 13x - 10 = 0


To work on this, we will plug in the figures like this:

a = 3

b = 13

c = -10


Solve for x utilizing the quadratic formula!

x=-bb2-4ac2a

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


Let’s streamline this as much as possible by figuring it out exactly like we executed in the previous example. Solve all easy 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 result! You can check your work through 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 work out quadratic equations like a pro with little patience and practice!


With this overview of quadratic equations and their fundamental formula, children can now go head on against this challenging topic with confidence. By starting with this straightforward explanation, children secure a firm understanding ahead of undertaking further complicated theories down in their studies.

Grade Potential Can Guide You with the Quadratic Equation

If you are battling to understand these concepts, you may require a mathematics teacher to guide you. It is best to ask for guidance before you trail behind.

With Grade Potential, you can study all the tips and tricks to ace your next math test. Become a confident quadratic equation problem solver so you are prepared for the ensuing complicated ideas in your mathematics studies.