Quadratic Equations

Quadratic equations looks like: ax2 + bx + c = 0
where a,b,c are real numbers, and a ≠ 0. Every quadratic equation can have 0, 1 or 2 real decidions derived by the formula:

quadratic equation formula

The number D = b2 - 4ac is called discriminant.
If D < 0 then the quadratic equation have no decidions. If D = 0 then the quadratic equation have 1 decidion x = - b/2a. If D > 0 then the quadratic equation have 2 decidions.

Example:
If we have equation: x2 + 3x - 4 = 0
a = 1, b = 3, c = -4
example of solving quadratic equation

Parabola

The graph of a quadratic equatin is called a parabola.
If a > 0 then graph horns pointing down:

parabola pointing down
if a < 0 then graph horns pointing up:
parabola pointing up

The midpoint of any parabola is the point x = -b/2a.

Quadratic Equations Problems

1) x2 - 4 = 0; x = ?
Solution: x2 - 4 = (x - 2)(x + 2)
x = 2 or x = -2

2) 3x2 + 4x + 5 = 0; x = ?
Solution: the discriminant is equal to 42 - 4.3.5 = 16 - 60 = -44 < 0 So the quadratic equation have no real decisions.

3) x2 + 4x - 5 = 0; x = ?
Solution: The discriminant is equal to 42 - (-4.1.5) = 16 + 20 = 36 > 0 So there are two real decisions: 1/2(-4 ± √36)
x = 1 or x = -5

4) x2 + 4x + 4 = 0; x = ?
Solution: The discriminant is equal to 42 - (4.1.4) = 16 - 16 = 0 So there is one real decision: 1/2(-4)
x = -2

5) x2 - 13x + 12 = 0
Solution: 1, 12
Drow the graph of the function: f(x) = x2 - 13x + 12

6) 8x2 - 30x + 7 = 0
Solution: 3.5, 0.25
Drow the graph of the function: f(x) = 8x2 - 30x + 7

Solution of cubic and quartic equations - 1

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