Solving Quadratic Equations

This lesson will act as a summary of all the previous lessons in this unit for how to determine the y-value and the x-values/roots of quadratic equations using the various different methods.

Quadratic Formula

We can determine the roots of a quadratic equation using the given formula:

\(x = \cfrac{-\textcolor{green}{b} +- \sqrt{\textcolor{green}{b}^2 - 4\textcolor{red}{a}\textcolor{blue}{c}}}{2\textcolor{red}{a}}\)

This formula is useful for determining the zeroes of a parabola or when it's difficult to factor a quadratic equation. Remember to set the equation to 0 before determining the values of \(\textcolor{red}{a},\textcolor{green}{b},\) and \(\textcolor{blue}{c}\).

Determine the y-intercept and x-intercepts of \(2c² + 7c = 4\) using the quadratic formula. Then, graph the correpsonding parabola based on these intercepts.

Standard Form

The Standard Form of a quadratic equation is expressed as such:

\(y = ax² + bx + c\)

In order to determine the x-intercepts, we need to fully factor the equation or use the Quadratic Equation. In order to determine the y-intercept, we need to set \(x = 0\) and solve for \(y\).

Determine the y-intercept and x-intercepts of \(y = 3x² - 12x + 9\). Then, graph the correpsonding parabola based on these intercepts.

Factored Form

The Factored Form of a quadratic equation is expressed as such:

\(y = a(x - p)(x - q)\)

The x-intercepts are \(p\) and \(q\) which will make the equation equal \(0\). The y-intercept can be determined by setting \(x = 0\), then solving for \(y\).

Determine the y-intercept and x-intercepts of \(y = -\cfrac{1}{2}(x-3)(x-7)\). Then, graph the correpsonding parabola based on these intercepts.

Vertex Form

The Vertex Form of a quadratic equation is expressed as such:

\(y = a(x - h)² + k\)

The vertex is already provided with \(h\) representing the x-coordinate and \(k\) representing the y-coordinate. The y-intercept can be determined by setting \(x = 0\). Depending on the equation, there may be 0, 1 or 2 x-intercepts.

Determine the y-intercept and x-intercepts of \(y = -2(x + 4)² + 3\). Then, graph the corresponding parabola based on these intercepts.