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Quadratics
Lesson 2 of 14
Standard practice

The quadratic formula

Objective. Solve any quadratic using x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac)) / 2a.

  1. 1. Learn
  2. 2. Worked example
  3. 3. Practice
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Learn: the key idea

The formula always works. The discriminant b² − 4ac tells you how many real roots exist before you solve.

Worked example

Solve 2x² + 3x − 4 = 0 to 2 d.p.

Solve 2x² + 3x − 4 = 0 to…
Illustrated card showing Solve 2x² + 3x − 4 = 0 to 2 d
  1. 1a = 2, b = 3, c = −4.
  2. 2b² − 4ac = 9 + 32 = 41.
  3. 3x = (−3 ± √41) / 4.

Answer: x = 0.85 or x = −2.35

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