Quadratic Equations

Equations

• Quadratic equations can be written in the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0 where a,b and c are numbers
• You need to be able to solve a quadratic equation without using your calculator
  • Rearrange it into the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0
  • Factorise the left-hand side
  • Set each factor equal to zero and solve to find two values of x

Worked it out

• Follow the three steps given above
• The equation is already in the right form sometimes
• To factorise look for two numbers which add up to the 2nd number and multiply to make the 3rd number
• Set each factor equal to 0 and solve
• When you are solving a quadratic equation you must rearrange it into the form
• Be really careful if the coefficient of x^2 is bigger than 1
  • When you are solving an equation`you must always show clear algebraic working
  • Don’t just write down the answers without any working