Class Notes: Quadratic Equations
1. Definition
A quadratic equation is any equation that can be written in the standard form: ax2+bx+c=0ax^2 + bx + c = 0ax2+bx+c=0 Where:
o aaa, bbb, and ccc are constants
o a≠0a \neq 0a=0 (If a=0a = 0a=0, it is a linear equation)
2. Standard Form and Solutions
The solutions to a quadratic equation are the values of xxx that satisfy the equation. These solutions are also called the roots of the quadratic
equation.
3. Methods for Solving Quadratic Equations
a. Factoring
If the quadratic can be factored, express it as the product of two binomials: (px+q)(rx+s)=0(px + q)(rx + s) = 0(px+q)(rx+s)=0 Then, set
each factor equal to zero and solve for xxx.
o Example: x2+5x+6=0x^2 + 5x + 6 = 0x2+5x+6=0 Factoring gives: (x+2)(x+3)=0(x + 2)(x + 3) = 0(x+2)(x+3)=0 So, x=−2x = -
2x=−2 or x=−3x = -3x=−3.
b. Quadratic Formula
The quadratic formula is used to solve any quadratic equation, and it is derived from completing the square: x=−b±b2−4ac2ax = \frac{-b \
pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}x=2a−b±b2−4ac Where aaa, bbb, and ccc are the coefficients of the quadratic equation ax2+bx+c=0ax^2 + bx +
c = 0ax2+bx+c=0.
c. Completing the Square
This method involves manipulating the equation to form a perfect square trinomial, allowing you to solve for xxx.
o Example: Solve x2+6x+5=0x^2 + 6x + 5 = 0x2+6x+5=0 by completing the square.
2. Move the constant to the other side: x2+6x=−5x^2 + 6x = -5x2+6x=−5
3. Add (62)2=9\left( \frac{6}{2} \right)^2 = 9(26)2=9 to both sides: x2+6x+9=4x^2 + 6x + 9 = 4x2+6x+9=4
4. Factor the left side: (x+3)2=4(x + 3)^2 = 4(x+3)2=4
5. Take the square root of both sides: x+3=±2x + 3 = \pm 2x+3=±2
6. Solve for xxx: x=−3+2=−1orx=−3−2=−5x = -3 + 2 = -1 \quad \text{or} \quad x = -3 - 2 = -5x=−3+2=−1orx=−3−2=−5
4. Discriminant
The discriminant is the part of the quadratic formula under the square root: Δ=b2−4ac\Delta = b^2 - 4acΔ=b2−4ac The value of the
discriminant determines the nature of the roots:
o If Δ>0\Delta > 0Δ>0: Two distinct real roots
o If Δ=0\Delta = 0Δ=0: One real root (repeated root)
o If Δ<0\Delta < 0Δ<0: Two complex roots (no real solutions)
5. Graphing Quadratics
The graph of a quadratic equation y=ax2+bx+cy = ax^2 + bx + cy=ax2+bx+c is a parabola.
o The direction of the parabola:
Upward if a>0a > 0a>0
Downward if a<0a < 0a<0
o The vertex of the parabola is the point where it reaches its maximum or minimum value.
o The axis of symmetry is a vertical line through the vertex: x=−b2ax = \frac{-b}{2a}x=2a−b
o The y-intercept is the point where x=0x = 0x=0, and it can be found by evaluating y=cy = cy=c.
6. Applications of Quadratic Equations
Quadratic equations are used in real-world problems such as:
o Projectile motion: The path of an object thrown into the air forms a parabolic trajectory.
o Optimization problems: Maximizing or minimizing quantities like area, revenue, or profit.
o Physics: Describing the relationship between velocity, acceleration, and time in certain motion problems.
Additional Notes:
Important Tips:
o Practice factoring and recognize when the equation is easily factorable.
o Always check the discriminant to quickly determine the nature of the roots.
o For complex roots, remember that they involve imaginary numbers when Δ<0\Delta < 0Δ<0.
Practice Questions:
1. Solve the quadratic equation 2x2−4x−6=02x^2 - 4x - 6 = 02x2−4x−6=0 using the quadratic formula.
2. Find the vertex and axis of symmetry for the quadratic equation y=x2−4x+3y = x^2 - 4x + 3y=x2−4x+3.
