This is the quadratic formula:
\(x = {-b \pm \sqrt{b^2-4ac} \over 2a}\)
Let's try it with an equation to see it in action:
\(x^2+6x-3=0\)
First, find a,b, and c and take note of those values! Remember, a typical quadratic can be written in the form of
\(ax^2+bx+c=0\). a equals the coefficient of the x^2 term., b equals the coefficient of the x-term, and c equals the constant.
a=1, b=6, c=-3
Now, plug those values into the quadratic formula and solve for x:
\(x = {-6\pm \sqrt{6^2-4(1)(-3)} \over 2(1)}\)
\(x = {-6 \pm \sqrt{36+12)} \over 2}\)
\(x = {-6 \pm \sqrt{48} \over 2}\)
\(x = {-6\pm 4\sqrt{3} \over 2}\)
\(x = -3\pm 2\sqrt{3}\)
Now, try this example on your own:
\(-3x^2-x+14=0\)
This is the quadratic formula:
\(x = {-b \pm \sqrt{b^2-4ac} \over 2a}\)
Let's try it with an equation to see it in action:
\(x^2+6x-3=0\)
First, find a,b, and c and take note of those values! Remember, a typical quadratic can be written in the form of
\(ax^2+bx+c=0\). a equals the coefficient of the x^2 term., b equals the coefficient of the x-term, and c equals the constant.
a=1, b=6, c=-3
Now, plug those values into the quadratic formula and solve for x:
\(x = {-6\pm \sqrt{6^2-4(1)(-3)} \over 2(1)}\)
\(x = {-6 \pm \sqrt{36+12)} \over 2}\)
\(x = {-6 \pm \sqrt{48} \over 2}\)
\(x = {-6\pm 4\sqrt{3} \over 2}\)
\(x = -3\pm 2\sqrt{3}\)
Now, try this example on your own:
\(-3x^2-x+14=0\)