Quadratic Equations

Quadratic equations are equations that involve a squared term.
If

x² = 4

then x could be +4 or -4.

So quadratic equations usually have 2 possible solutions.

We solve quadratics by factoring or by using the quadratic formula.

The more you practice factoring of quadratic trinomials, the more easily the answer will jump off the page for you when you do them.

The quadratic formula also takes practice, plus you need to commit it to memory. Practice writing it out regularly and always check in the book to ensure that you have got it exactly right before you use it.

For homework you are doing a selection of quadratics.

• a straightforward equation that has a coefficient in front of the x²
• one that will only take the ax² + bx + c = 0 format after you have done some manipulation
• one that requires the use of the formula
• one that needs a second round of equation solving after you have worked out possible values for x.

In tomorrow's class, we will continue with quadratics and look at the worded problems which involve forming and solving a quadratic equation.