QUADRATIC EQUATIONS

Mathematics Volume 1 of 2
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Algebra QUADRATIC EQUATIONS QUADRATIC EQUATIONS This chapter covers solving for unknowns using quadratic equations. EO 1.3 APPLY the quadratic formula to solve for an unknown. Types of Quadratic Equations A quadratic equation is an equation containing the second power of an unknown but no higher power. The equation x² - 5x + 6 = 0 is a quadratic equation. A quadratic equation has two roots, both of which satisfy the equation. The two roots of the quadratic equation x² - 5x + 6 = 0 are x = 2 and x = 3. Substituting either of these values for x in the equation makes it true. The general form of a quadratic equation is the following: ax² - bx + c = 0 (2-1) The a represents the numerical coefficient of x² , b represents the numerical coefficient of x, and c represents the constant numerical term. One or both of the last two numerical coefficients may be zero. The numerical coefficient a cannot be zero. If b=0, then the quadratic equation is termed a "pure" quadratic equation. If the equation contains both an x and x² term, then it is a "complete" quadratic equation. The numerical coefficient c may or may not be zero in a complete quadratic equation. Thus, x² + 5x + 6 = 0 and 2x² - 5x = 0 are complete quadratic equations. Solving Quadratic Equations The four axioms used in solving linear equations are also used in solving quadratic equations. However, there are certain additional rules used when solving quadratic equations. There are three different techniques used for solving quadratic equations: taking the square root, factoring, and the Quadratic Formula. Of these three techniques, only the Quadratic Formula will solve all quadratic equations. The other two techniques can be used only in certain cases. To determine which technique can be used, the equation must be written in general form: ax² + bx + c = 0 (2-1) If the equation is a pure quadratic equation, it can be solved by taking the square root. If the numerical constant c is zero, equation 2-1 can be solved by factoring. Certain other equations can also be solved by factoring. Rev. 0 Page 17 MA-02

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