Solving Quadratics:

· Best Way

· By Factoring

· By Graphing

· By Calculator

· Quadratic Equation, Formula, & The Discriminant

· By Web Page & Formula

· By Completing the Square

      The best way to solve any equation is the way that takes least effort.

      An equation which is easy to factor takes the least effort because it may, with practice, be solved mentally. These easy to factor equations turn up even in algebra II and calculus. So, TRY FACTORING FIRST.

      Occasionally a quadratic is graphed and the x-intercepts, the zeros, the solutions, may be read directly from the graph. If the graph is not clear and of the readable kind (see below) it is best not to use this method. LOOK FOR EASY TO READ ZEROS IN A GRAPH.

      Graphing calculator are great and for messy equations give either exact or approximate answers. See Solving Equations by Calculator. BE SURE TO LOOK FOR 2 ROOTS!

      The quadratic formula is always dependable and sometimes messy. Check it out. EVEN WHEN FACTORING DOESN'T WORK, THIS METHOD WILL WORK.

      AS A LAST RESORT, use completing the square to solve a quadratic.

      Suppose you were good at solving equations by factoring and were told to
      solve (x+2)(x+3)=0 or
      solve -x² = 0 or
      solve 0 = (x+1)(x+3).
Pretty easy, huh?

      Solving the above equations given the graphs
      y = (x+2)(x+3) or
      y = -x² or
      y = (x+1)(x+3) is about the same difficulty.

      Solving the equations
      0 = (x-1)² - 4 given the graph
      y = (x-1)² - 4 requires a bit more thought.

      Solving the equations
      0 = (1/2)x² -3 and
      0 = (x + 4)² - 5 given the graphs
      y = (1/2)x² -3
      y = (x + 4)² - 5 are more difficult because the x-intercepts are not easily read from the equation or the graph.

      The x-intercept is the solution. Find the x-value(s) at which the quadratic crosses the x-axis and you have found the solution(s).

      To solve a quadratic equation graphically, produce the graph, find the x-values at which the graph crosses the x-axis. IF THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE, CHOOSE ANOTHER METHOD.

      For instructions on how to use the algebraic solver or polynomial solver on a calculator see Solve with a Calculator. On that page, the focus is on basic use of the machine, such as in solving linear equations.

      Usually parabolas and quadratics and using a calculator to find more than 1 solution is covered in algebra II.

      Below are calculator screens showing the two decimal approximation solutions to the equation.

      By changing the SEED value which starts the calculator working on solving for x, different roots may be found.

      The basic instruction say:
    5th: Press the curser down to the line with the variable you wish to find.
    6th: Press [SOLVE] ([ALPHA][ENTER]) to solve.

      The advanced instruction say:
    5th: Press the curser down to the line with the variable you wish to find.
    6th: Use the existing x-value or change the x-value or SEED.
    7th: Press [SOLVE] ([ALPHA][ENTER]) to solve.
    8th: Use a diffent x-value or SEED to search for a different solution.
    9th: Use different SEEDS until you have all solutions or use the CALCULATE functions.

    Briefly ...

    Each of the constants a, b, and c in the quadratic equation 0 = ax² + bx + c, plays a role in the number and kind of roots, assuming a is not 0.

    The expression b² - 4ac, the discriminant, uses the constants to determine the number and kind of roots.

If:

b² - 4ac is less than 0,

    there are two complex, non-real roots.

b² - 4ac is equal to 0,

    there are two identical real roots.

b² - 4ac is greater than 0

    there are two different real roots.

    For a thorough exposition of the quadratic and the discriminant, see The Quadratic Equation, Formula, & Discriminant. Briefly ...

Choose the presentation
• Handwritten solve: ax² + bx + c = 0
• Handwritten solve: x² + 8x + 1 = 0
• Handwritten solve: x² + 4x + 1 = 0
• All typed out. (Just below this list)

    Solving a quadratic by completing the square is not something one does for fun.

    It was used to create the quadratic formula. It is used to solve quadratics which have variables rather than constants as coefficients though the formula is quicker. It is used as an exercise in algebra II classes.

    A few algebra I reminders are needed before completing the square.

    To add/subtract fractions, you need a common denominator.

    To divide fractions, you flip the 2nd fraction and multiply straight across.

    Remember: (x + y)² = x² + 2xy + y²

    Remember: (x + b)² = x² + 2bx + b²

    Remember: x² + 2bx + b² = (x + b)²

    If: x² +bx + _________ = (x + __)² then
       x² + bx + (b/2)² = (x + b/2)² is true.

    If: x² +(b/a)x + _________ = (x + __)² then
       x² + (b/a)x + (b/(2a))² = (x + b/(2a))² is true as is
       x² + (b/a)x + b²/(4a²) = (x + b/(2a))².

    Take half the coefficient of the linear term and square it. This is called completing the square.

        x = or x = .