Solving Quadratics
Solving Quadratics
There are three main ways to solve a quadratic equation, factoring, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula. I will show all three of these with pictures and explanations.
Factoring
Factoring an equation is simple. You just find two numbers that add to get the B and multiply to get the C. For example: 2+5=7 and 2x5=10. Then you just solve the equation like normal from that point. So you would find the square root of both sides and then +or- on both sides to get your x-intercepts.
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Completing the Square
Completing the square is a little harder to do. When you complete the square the first thing you do is subtract the C from both sides of the equation. Then you re-rite the equation and leave a space for the new C that you will get from taking B and dividing it by two and then squaring that answer. Then you factor the equation, you pretty much just take B/2 and that's the number you use to factor. Then you simplify the equation.
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Quadratic Formula
![Picture](/uploads/5/9/7/0/59700733/2756445.jpg?372)
Solving using the quadratic formula is a good simple way to solve. You just use the quadratic formula, x= -b+or- the square root of b squared - 4ac all over 2a. You just plug in the numbers and solve. It is pretty easy to mix up the numbers though so you have to be organized to make sure you do it right, it can get complicated if you have messy numbers.
Reflection
The different ways of solving a quadratic equations were actually pretty fun to learn, especially the story that helps you remember the quadratic formula. (A negative boy couldn't decide whether or not to go to a radical party, being square, he decided not to go and missed out on four awesome chicks. The party was all over at 2am.) It really did help me remember the formula. I actually liked that there were different ways to solve it because that gives me more options.