Quadratic Equations

Quadratic equations are used in many areas of science and engineering. The path of a projectile (e.g. a cannon ball) is (almost) parabolic, and we use a quadratic equation to find out where the projectile is going to hit. Also, parabolic antennas are another application.

Quadratic Equation: The general form of a quadratic equation is ax² + bx + c = 0 where x is the variable and a, b & c are constants and a≠ 0. 

1. Factoring

Solving a quadratic (or any kind of equation) by factoring depends on the use of a principle known as the zero-product rule.

Rule 1: Zero Product Rule: If ab = 0 then either a = 0 or b = 0 (or both)

Thus, if you can factor an expression that is equal to zero, then you can set each factor equal to zero and solve it for the unknown.

 

Learn more about quadratic equations by reading the explanation below.

Quadratic Equations

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Practice: Solve quadratic equations using different methods in the following exercises.

Quadratic Equations 2

Quadratic Equations 3

Quadratic Equations 4