Wetzel                                                                                    

Math 102

10.2 – The Quadratic Formula

Quadratic Formula:

            Complete the Square on the General Form Quadratic Equation: 

            This gives us the Quadratic Formula:

            It is the general quadratic equation that has already been solved by Completing the Square.  Now it is not necessary to Complete the Square for each individual problem, it has already been done.

            Steps to use:

                        1.)  Write the quadratic equation in standard form.

                        2.)  Identify a, b, and c.

                        3.)  Substitute these values into the formula and simplify.

Example:  Solve using the Quadratic Formula.

1.)                                       2.) 

Discriminant:

            Formula: 

            Used to determine what type of solutions a quadratic equation has.

Example:  Find the Discriminant and determine the number and how many solutions there are.

1.)                               2.)