Difference between revisions of "Quadratic formula"
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(Those who use this formula really ought to take a few minutes to prove it sometime...) |
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:<math>ax^2+bx+c=0\!</math> | :<math>ax^2+bx+c=0\!</math> | ||
| − | You simply substitute <math>a</math>, <math>b</math>, and <math>c</math> | + | You simply substitute <math>a</math>, <math>b</math>, and <math>c</math> into the formula. |
You can prove that the formula is correct by substituting the formula in place of '''x''' in <math>ax^2+bx+c=0\!</math> and then gradually simplying the rather complicated formula that results, step by step. Eventually, if all the simplication steps are done correctly, it will simply to 0. | You can prove that the formula is correct by substituting the formula in place of '''x''' in <math>ax^2+bx+c=0\!</math> and then gradually simplying the rather complicated formula that results, step by step. Eventually, if all the simplication steps are done correctly, it will simply to 0. | ||
Revision as of 14:25, December 30, 2006
The quadratic formula is used to simplify the process of solving a quadratic equation. It is in the following form:
- <math>x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt {b^2-4ac}}{2a}</math>
In order to be solved using this formula, a quadratic equation must be in the following format:
- <math>ax^2+bx+c=0\!</math>
You simply substitute <math>a</math>, <math>b</math>, and <math>c</math> into the formula.
You can prove that the formula is correct by substituting the formula in place of x in <math>ax^2+bx+c=0\!</math> and then gradually simplying the rather complicated formula that results, step by step. Eventually, if all the simplication steps are done correctly, it will simply to 0.