Solving Quadratic Equations with the Quadratic Formula
The solutions of some quadratic equations, ax2 + bx + c = 0 (a≠0) are not rational, and cannot be obtained by factoring. For such equations, the most common method of solution is the quadratic formula.
Note: The quadratic formula can be used to solve ANY quadratic equation, even those that can be factored. Be sure you know this very useful formula!!!
Examples:
Deriving the Quadratic Formula:
The quadratic formula is derived from the quadratic equation by a process called “completing the square”. Here is how it was developed: