QUADRATIC EQUATIONS
Algebra
Example:
Solve the following quadratic equation by factoring.
2x2 - 3 = 4x - x2 + 1
Solution:
Step 1.
Using the subtraction axiom, subtract (4x - x2 + 1) from both sides of the
equation.
2x2 - 3 - (4x - x2 + 1) = 4x - x2 + 1 - (4x - x2 + 1)
3x2 - 4x - 4 = 0
Step 2.
Factor the resulting equation.
3x2 - 4x - 4 = 0
(3x + 2)(x - 2) = 0
Step 3.
Set each factor equal to zero and solve the resulting equations.
3x + 2 = 0
3x
= -2
3x
3
2
3
x
=
2
3
x - 2 = 0
x
= 2
Thus, the roots are x =
and x = 2.
2
3
MA-02
Page 22
Rev. 0
