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Understanding the Quadratic Equation

A quadratic equation is a polynomial of the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants and a cannot be zero. Solutions can be found using the quadratic formula x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a), with the discriminant b² - 4ac indicating the nature of the roots. Understanding quadratic equations is crucial for higher-level mathematics and real-world problem solving.

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Harsh Tyagi
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19 views

Understanding the Quadratic Equation

A quadratic equation is a polynomial of the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants and a cannot be zero. Solutions can be found using the quadratic formula x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a), with the discriminant b² - 4ac indicating the nature of the roots. Understanding quadratic equations is crucial for higher-level mathematics and real-world problem solving.

Uploaded by

Harsh Tyagi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Understanding the Quadratic Equation

A quadratic equation is a polynomial equation of the form:

ax2+bx+c=0ax^2 + bx + c = 0

where x represents an unknown variable, and a, b, and c are constants. The key characteristic of
a quadratic equation is the x2x^2 term, which makes it a second-degree equation.

Components of a Quadratic Equation:

 a: The coefficient of x2x^2, and it cannot be zero.


 b: The coefficient of xx.
 c: The constant term.

Solutions to a Quadratic Equation

The solutions to a quadratic equation can be found using the quadratic formula:

x=−b±b2−4ac2ax = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}

This formula gives two possible solutions because of the ± symbol, representing the two roots of
the quadratic equation. The expression b2−4acb^2 - 4ac under the square root is called the
discriminant, and it determines the nature of the roots:

1. If b2−4ac>0b^2 - 4ac > 0, the equation has two distinct real roots.
2. If b2−4ac=0b^2 - 4ac = 0, there is one real root (a repeated root).
3. If b2−4ac<0b^2 - 4ac < 0, the equation has two complex (non-real) roots.

Example:

Consider the equation 2x2−4x−6=02x^2 - 4x - 6 = 0. Applying the quadratic formula:

 a=2a = 2, b=−4b = -4, and c=−6c = -6


 The discriminant is: (−4)2−4(2)(−6)=16+48=64(-4)^2 - 4(2)(-6) = 16 + 48 = 64
 The solutions are: x=−(−4)±642(2)=4±84x = \frac{-(-4) \pm \sqrt{64}}{2(2)} = \frac{4 \
pm 8}{4} So, the two solutions are: x=4+84=3andx=4−84=−1x = \frac{4 + 8}{4} = 3 \
quad \text{and} \quad x = \frac{4 - 8}{4} = -1

Conclusion

Quadratic equations are foundational in algebra, and their solutions can be found using the
quadratic formula. The discriminant provides insight into the nature of the solutions, whether
they are real or complex. Understanding quadratic equations is essential for progressing in
higher-level mathematics and solving various real-world problems.

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