Solution - Solving quadratic equations using the quadratic formula
Step-by-step explanation
1. Simplify the quadratic equation into its standard form
Subtract from both sides:
Subtract from both sides:
Simplify the expression
2. Find the coefficients
To find the coefficients, use the standard form of a quadratic equation:
= 5
= 0
= -54
3. Plug these coefficients into the quadratic formula
To find the roots of a quadratic equation, plug its coefficients (, and ) into the quadratic formula:
Simplify the exponents and square roots
Perform any multiplication or division, from left to right:
Calculate any addition or subtraction, from left to right.
Perform any multiplication or division, from left to right:
to get the result:
4. Simplify square root
Simplify by finding its prime factors:
The prime factorization of is
Write the prime factors:
Group the prime factors into pairs and rewrite them in exponent form:
Use the rule to simplify further:
Perform any multiplication or division, from left to right:
Perform any multiplication or division, from left to right:
5. Solve the equation for x
The ± means two answers are possible.
Separate the equations:
and
Remove the parentheses
Perform any multiplication or division, from left to right:
Calculate any addition or subtraction, from left to right.
Perform any multiplication or division, from left to right:
Perform any multiplication or division, from left to right:
Calculate any addition or subtraction, from left to right.
Perform any multiplication or division, from left to right:
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Please leave us feedback.Why learn this
In their most basic function, quadratic equations define shapes like circles, ellipses and parabolas. These shapes can in turn be used to predict the curve of an object in motion, such as a ball kicked by football player or shot out of a cannon.
When it comes to an object’s movement through space, what better place to start than space itself—with the revolution of planets around the sun in our solar system. The quadratic equation was used to establish that planets’ orbits are elliptical, not circular. Determining the path and speed an object travels through space is possible even after it has come to a stop: the quadratic equation can calculate how fast a vehicle was moving when it crashed. With information like this, the automotive industry can design brakes to prevent collisions in the future. Many industries use the quadratic equation to predict and thus improve their products’ lifespan and safety.