Algebra 1B
MAT 117 /MAT117 Week 7 Discussion Question
Version 8
Week 7 DQ 2
1. What is the quadratic formula?
2. What is it used for?
3. Provide an example, not found in the text.
RESPONSE
Many people may have heard of the quadratic formula, but are probably unfamiliar what it is or what it is used for. The actual quadratic formula is , and its purpose is to solve quadratic equations and can only be applied to a quadratic equation that is in the standard form of (ax2+ bx +c = 0).It is important to differentiate between a quadratic formula and a quadratic equation, where the quadratic formula is a tool, and the quadratic equation is specifically given to you for the purpose of solving it. When solving a quadratic equation, you are basically finding the roots of that specific equation. Those roots will tell you where the line on the graph touches or crosses the x – axis.
The first steps in solving a quadratic equation is to make sure the equation is in standard for (ax2+ bx +c = 0). If it is, then you can proceed in identifying a, b, and c in the equation. To Once those values have been identified; substitute them into the quadratic formula paying special attention to parentheses and negative numbers as it is easy to make simple errors. Then you can go ahead and simplify the expression to determine the values for “x”.
Class, solve the given quadratic equation using the quadratic formula: x2– 4x – 5 = 0
RESPONSE 3
The quadratic formula follows the quadratic equation. You find the solutions to ax²+bx+c=0 where a ≠ 0 is given by x = [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)]/(2a ) . The quadratic formula can be used to solve any quadratic equation. You can solve quadratic equations by factoring, the square root property, and completing the square. When you use the quadratic formula it takes the guessing out of figuring which way to solve the problem. The formula always works and will work on any of the quadratic equations. It is