With this math program you can solve quadratic equation.

The program not only gives the answer to the problem, but also displays the solution process in two ways:
- using a discriminant
- using Vieta's theorem (if possible).

Moreover, the answer is displayed as exact, not approximate.
For example, for the equation \(81x^2-16x-1=0\) the answer is displayed in the following form:

This program can be useful for high school students in general education schools when preparing for tests and exams, when testing knowledge before the Unified State Exam, and for parents to control the solution of many problems in mathematics and algebra. Or maybe it’s too expensive for you to hire a tutor or buy new textbooks? Or do you just want to get your math or algebra homework done as quickly as possible? In this case, you can also use our programs with detailed solutions.

In this way, you can conduct your own training and/or training of your younger brothers or sisters, while the level of education in the field of solving problems increases.

If you are not familiar with the rules for entering a quadratic polynomial, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with them.

Rules for entering a quadratic polynomial

Any Latin letter can act as a variable.
For example: \(x, y, z, a, b, c, o, p, q\), etc.

Numbers can be entered as whole or fractional numbers.
Moreover, fractional numbers can be entered not only in the form of a decimal, but also in the form of an ordinary fraction.

Rules for entering decimal fractions.
In decimal fractions, the fractional part can be separated from the whole part by either a period or a comma.
For example, you can enter decimal fractions like this: 2.5x - 3.5x^2

Rules for entering ordinary fractions.
Only a whole number can act as the numerator, denominator and integer part of a fraction.

The denominator cannot be negative.

When entering a numerical fraction, the numerator is separated from the denominator by a division sign: /
The whole part is separated from the fraction by the ampersand sign: &
Input: 3&1/3 - 5&6/5z +1/7z^2
Result: \(3\frac(1)(3) - 5\frac(6)(5) z + \frac(1)(7)z^2\)

When entering an expression you can use parentheses. In this case, when solving a quadratic equation, the introduced expression is first simplified.
For example: 1/2(y-1)(y+1)-(5y-10&1/2)

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A little theory.

Quadratic equation and its roots. Incomplete quadratic equations

Each of the equations
\(-x^2+6x+1.4=0, \quad 8x^2-7x=0, \quad x^2-\frac(4)(9)=0 \)
looks like
\(ax^2+bx+c=0, \)
where x is a variable, a, b and c are numbers.
In the first equation a = -1, b = 6 and c = 1.4, in the second a = 8, b = -7 and c = 0, in the third a = 1, b = 0 and c = 4/9. Such equations are called quadratic equations.

Definition.
Quadratic equation is called an equation of the form ax 2 +bx+c=0, where x is a variable, a, b and c are some numbers, and \(a \neq 0 \).

The numbers a, b and c are the coefficients of the quadratic equation. The number a is called the first coefficient, the number b is the second coefficient, and the number c is the free term.

In each of the equations of the form ax 2 +bx+c=0, where \(a\neq 0\), the largest power of the variable x is a square. Hence the name: quadratic equation.

Note that a quadratic equation is also called an equation of the second degree, since its left side is a polynomial of the second degree.

A quadratic equation in which the coefficient of x 2 is equal to 1 is called given quadratic equation. For example, the quadratic equations given are the equations
\(x^2-11x+30=0, \quad x^2-6x=0, \quad x^2-8=0 \)

If in a quadratic equation ax 2 +bx+c=0 at least one of the coefficients b or c is equal to zero, then such an equation is called incomplete quadratic equation. Thus, the equations -2x 2 +7=0, 3x 2 -10x=0, -4x 2 =0 are incomplete quadratic equations. In the first of them b=0, in the second c=0, in the third b=0 and c=0.

There are three types of incomplete quadratic equations:
1) ax 2 +c=0, where \(c \neq 0 \);
2) ax 2 +bx=0, where \(b \neq 0 \);
3) ax 2 =0.

Let's consider solving equations of each of these types.

To solve an incomplete quadratic equation of the form ax 2 +c=0 for \(c \neq 0 \), move its free term to the right side and divide both sides of the equation by a:
\(x^2 = -\frac(c)(a) \Rightarrow x_(1,2) = \pm \sqrt( -\frac(c)(a)) \)

Since \(c \neq 0 \), then \(-\frac(c)(a) \neq 0 \)

If \(-\frac(c)(a)>0\), then the equation has two roots.

If \(-\frac(c)(a) To solve an incomplete quadratic equation of the form ax 2 +bx=0 with \(b \neq 0 \) factor its left side and obtain the equation
\(x(ax+b)=0 \Rightarrow \left\( \begin(array)(l) x=0 \\ ax+b=0 \end(array) \right. \Rightarrow \left\( \begin (array)(l) x=0 \\ x=-\frac(b)(a) \end(array) \right. \)

This means that an incomplete quadratic equation of the form ax 2 +bx=0 for \(b \neq 0 \) always has two roots.

An incomplete quadratic equation of the form ax 2 =0 is equivalent to the equation x 2 =0 and therefore has a single root 0.

Formula for the roots of a quadratic equation

Let us now consider how to solve quadratic equations in which both the coefficients of the unknowns and the free term are nonzero.

Let us solve the quadratic equation in general form and as a result we obtain the formula for the roots. This formula can then be used to solve any quadratic equation.

Solve the quadratic equation ax 2 +bx+c=0

Dividing both sides by a, we obtain the equivalent reduced quadratic equation
\(x^2+\frac(b)(a)x +\frac(c)(a)=0 \)

Let's transform this equation by selecting the square of the binomial:
\(x^2+2x \cdot \frac(b)(2a)+\left(\frac(b)(2a)\right)^2- \left(\frac(b)(2a)\right)^ 2 + \frac(c)(a) = 0 \Rightarrow \)

The radical expression is called discriminant of a quadratic equation ax 2 +bx+c=0 (“discriminant” in Latin - discriminator). It is designated by the letter D, i.e.
\(D = b^2-4ac\)

Now, using the discriminant notation, we rewrite the formula for the roots of the quadratic equation:
\(x_(1,2) = \frac( -b \pm \sqrt(D) )(2a) \), where \(D= b^2-4ac \)

It's obvious that:
1) If D>0, then the quadratic equation has two roots.
2) If D=0, then the quadratic equation has one root \(x=-\frac(b)(2a)\).
3) If D Thus, depending on the value of the discriminant, a quadratic equation can have two roots (for D > 0), one root (for D = 0) or have no roots (for D When solving a quadratic equation using this formula, it is advisable to do the following way:
1) calculate the discriminant and compare it with zero;
2) if the discriminant is positive or equal to zero, then use the root formula; if the discriminant is negative, then write down that there are no roots.

Vieta's theorem

The given quadratic equation ax 2 -7x+10=0 has roots 2 and 5. The sum of the roots is 7, and the product is 10. We see that the sum of the roots is equal to the second coefficient taken with the opposite sign, and the product of the roots is equal to the free term. Any reduced quadratic equation that has roots has this property.

The sum of the roots of the above quadratic equation is equal to the second coefficient taken with the opposite sign, and the product of the roots is equal to the free term.

Those. Vieta's theorem states that the roots x 1 and x 2 of the reduced quadratic equation x 2 +px+q=0 have the property:
\(\left\( \begin(array)(l) x_1+x_2=-p \\ x_1 \cdot x_2=q \end(array) \right. \)

Quadratic equations are studied in 8th grade, so there is nothing complicated here. The ability to solve them is absolutely necessary.

A quadratic equation is an equation of the form ax 2 + bx + c = 0, where the coefficients a, b and c are arbitrary numbers, and a ≠ 0.

Before studying specific solution methods, note that all quadratic equations can be divided into three classes:

1. Have no roots;
2. Have exactly one root;
3. They have two different roots.

This is an important difference between quadratic equations and linear ones, where the root always exists and is unique. How to determine how many roots an equation has? There is a wonderful thing for this - discriminant.

Discriminant

Let the quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 be given. Then the discriminant is simply the number D = b 2 − 4ac.

You need to know this formula by heart. Where it comes from is not important now. Another thing is important: by the sign of the discriminant you can determine how many roots a quadratic equation has. Namely:

1. If D< 0, корней нет;
2. If D = 0, there is exactly one root;
3. If D > 0, there will be two roots.

Please note: the discriminant indicates the number of roots, and not at all their signs, as for some reason many people believe. Take a look at the examples and you will understand everything yourself:

Task. How many roots do quadratic equations have:

1. x 2 − 8x + 12 = 0;
2. 5x 2 + 3x + 7 = 0;
3. x 2 − 6x + 9 = 0.

Let's write out the coefficients for the first equation and find the discriminant:
a = 1, b = −8, c = 12;
D = (−8) 2 − 4 1 12 = 64 − 48 = 16

So the discriminant is positive, so the equation has two different roots. We analyze the second equation in a similar way:
a = 5; b = 3; c = 7;
D = 3 2 − 4 5 7 = 9 − 140 = −131.

The discriminant is negative, there are no roots. The last equation left is:
a = 1; b = −6; c = 9;
D = (−6) 2 − 4 1 9 = 36 − 36 = 0.

The discriminant is zero - the root will be one.

Please note that coefficients have been written down for each equation. Yes, it’s long, yes, it’s tedious, but you won’t mix up the odds and make stupid mistakes. Choose for yourself: speed or quality.

By the way, if you get the hang of it, after a while you won’t need to write down all the coefficients. You will perform such operations in your head. Most people start doing this somewhere after 50-70 solved equations - in general, not that much.

Roots of a quadratic equation

Now let's move on to the solution itself. If the discriminant D > 0, the roots can be found using the formulas:

Basic formula for the roots of a quadratic equation

When D = 0, you can use any of these formulas - you will get the same number, which will be the answer. Finally, if D< 0, корней нет — ничего считать не надо.

1. x 2 − 2x − 3 = 0;
2. 15 − 2x − x 2 = 0;
3. x 2 + 12x + 36 = 0.

First equation:
x 2 − 2x − 3 = 0 ⇒ a = 1; b = −2; c = −3;
D = (−2) 2 − 4 1 (−3) = 16.

D > 0 ⇒ the equation has two roots. Let's find them:

Second equation:
15 − 2x − x 2 = 0 ⇒ a = −1; b = −2; c = 15;
D = (−2) 2 − 4 · (−1) · 15 = 64.

D > 0 ⇒ the equation again has two roots. Let's find them

\[\begin(align) & ((x)_(1))=\frac(2+\sqrt(64))(2\cdot \left(-1 \right))=-5; \\ & ((x)_(2))=\frac(2-\sqrt(64))(2\cdot \left(-1 \right))=3. \\ \end(align)\]

Finally, the third equation:
x 2 + 12x + 36 = 0 ⇒ a = 1; b = 12; c = 36;
D = 12 2 − 4 1 36 = 0.

D = 0 ⇒ the equation has one root. Any formula can be used. For example, the first one:

As you can see from the examples, everything is very simple. If you know the formulas and can count, there will be no problems. Most often, errors occur when substituting negative coefficients into the formula. Here again, the technique described above will help: look at the formula literally, write down each step - and very soon you will get rid of mistakes.

Incomplete quadratic equations

It happens that a quadratic equation is slightly different from what is given in the definition. For example:

1. x 2 + 9x = 0;
2. x 2 − 16 = 0.

It is easy to notice that these equations are missing one of the terms. Such quadratic equations are even easier to solve than standard ones: they don’t even require calculating the discriminant. So, let's introduce a new concept:

The equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 is called an incomplete quadratic equation if b = 0 or c = 0, i.e. the coefficient of the variable x or the free element is equal to zero.

Of course, a very difficult case is possible when both of these coefficients are equal to zero: b = c = 0. In this case, the equation takes the form ax 2 = 0. Obviously, such an equation has a single root: x = 0.

Let's consider the remaining cases. Let b = 0, then we obtain an incomplete quadratic equation of the form ax 2 + c = 0. Let us transform it a little:

Since the arithmetic square root exists only of a non-negative number, the last equality makes sense only for (−c /a) ≥ 0. Conclusion:

1. If in an incomplete quadratic equation of the form ax 2 + c = 0 the inequality (−c /a) ≥ 0 is satisfied, there will be two roots. The formula is given above;
2. If (−c /a)< 0, корней нет.

As you can see, a discriminant was not required—there are no complex calculations at all in incomplete quadratic equations. In fact, it is not even necessary to remember the inequality (−c /a) ≥ 0. It is enough to express the value x 2 and see what is on the other side of the equal sign. If there is a positive number, there will be two roots. If it is negative, there will be no roots at all.

Now let's look at equations of the form ax 2 + bx = 0, in which the free element is equal to zero. Everything is simple here: there will always be two roots. It is enough to factor the polynomial:

The product is zero when at least one of the factors is zero. This is where the roots come from. In conclusion, let’s look at a few of these equations:

Task. Solve quadratic equations:

1. x 2 − 7x = 0;
2. 5x 2 + 30 = 0;
3. 4x 2 − 9 = 0.

x 2 − 7x = 0 ⇒ x · (x − 7) = 0 ⇒ x 1 = 0; x 2 = −(−7)/1 = 7.

5x 2 + 30 = 0 ⇒ 5x 2 = −30 ⇒ x 2 = −6. There are no roots, because a square cannot be equal to a negative number.

4x 2 − 9 = 0 ⇒ 4x 2 = 9 ⇒ x 2 = 9/4 ⇒ x 1 = 3/2 = 1.5; x 2 = −1.5.

First level

Quadratic equations. The Comprehensive Guide (2019)

In the term “quadratic equation,” the key word is “quadratic.” This means that the equation must necessarily contain a variable (that same x) squared, and there should not be xes to the third (or greater) power.

The solution of many equations comes down to solving quadratic equations.

Let's learn to determine that this is a quadratic equation and not some other equation.

Example 1.

Let's get rid of the denominator and multiply each term of the equation by

Let's move everything to the left side and arrange the terms in descending order of powers of X

Now we can say with confidence that this equation is quadratic!

Example 2.

Multiply the left and right sides by:

This equation, although it was originally in it, is not quadratic!

Example 3.

Let's multiply everything by:

Scary? The fourth and second degrees... However, if we make a replacement, we will see that we have a simple quadratic equation:

Example 4.

It seems to be there, but let's take a closer look. Let's move everything to the left side:

See, it's reduced - and now it's a simple linear equation!

Now try to determine for yourself which of the following equations are quadratic and which are not:

Examples:

Answers:

1. square;
2. square;
3. not square;
4. not square;
5. not square;
6. square;
7. not square;
8. square.

Mathematicians conventionally divide all quadratic equations into the following types:

• Complete quadratic equations- equations in which the coefficients and, as well as the free term c, are not equal to zero (as in the example). In addition, among complete quadratic equations there are given- these are equations in which the coefficient (the equation from example one is not only complete, but also reduced!)

• Incomplete quadratic equations- equations in which the coefficient and or the free term c are equal to zero:

  They are incomplete because they are missing some element. But the equation must always contain x squared!!! Otherwise, it will no longer be a quadratic equation, but some other equation.

Why did they come up with such a division? It would seem that there is an X squared, and okay. This division is determined by the solution methods. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Solving incomplete quadratic equations

First, let's focus on solving incomplete quadratic equations - they are much simpler!

There are types of incomplete quadratic equations:

1. , in this equation the coefficient is equal.
2. , in this equation the free term is equal to.
3. , in this equation the coefficient and the free term are equal.

1. i. Since we know how to take the square root, let's express from this equation

The expression can be either negative or positive. A squared number cannot be negative, because when multiplying two negative or two positive numbers, the result will always be a positive number, so: if, then the equation has no solutions.

And if, then we get two roots. There is no need to memorize these formulas. The main thing is that you must know and always remember that it cannot be less.

Let's try to solve some examples.

Example 5:

Solve the equation

Now all that remains is to extract the root from the left and right sides. After all, you remember how to extract roots?

Answer:

Never forget about roots with a negative sign!!!

Example 6:

Solve the equation

Answer:

Example 7:

Solve the equation

Oh! The square of a number cannot be negative, which means that the equation

no roots!

For such equations that have no roots, mathematicians came up with a special icon - (empty set). And the answer can be written like this:

Answer:

Thus, this quadratic equation has two roots. There are no restrictions here, since we did not extract the root.
Example 8:

Solve the equation

Let's take the common factor out of brackets:

Thus,

This equation has two roots.

Answer:

The simplest type of incomplete quadratic equations (although they are all simple, right?). Obviously, this equation always has only one root:

We will dispense with examples here.

Solving complete quadratic equations

We remind you that a complete quadratic equation is an equation of the form equation where

Solving complete quadratic equations is a little more difficult (just a little) than these.

Remember, Any quadratic equation can be solved using a discriminant! Even incomplete.

The other methods will help you do it faster, but if you have problems with quadratic equations, first master the solution using the discriminant.

1. Solving quadratic equations using a discriminant.

Solving quadratic equations using this method is very simple; the main thing is to remember the sequence of actions and a couple of formulas.

If, then the equation has a root. You need to pay special attention to the step. Discriminant () tells us the number of roots of the equation.

• If, then the formula in the step will be reduced to. Thus, the equation will only have a root.
• If, then we will not be able to extract the root of the discriminant at the step. This indicates that the equation has no roots.

Let's go back to our equations and look at some examples.

Example 9:

Solve the equation

Step 1 we skip.

Step 2.

We find the discriminant:

This means the equation has two roots.

Step 3.

Answer:

Example 10:

Solve the equation

The equation is presented in standard form, so Step 1 we skip.

Step 2.

We find the discriminant:

This means that the equation has one root.

Answer:

Example 11:

Solve the equation

The equation is presented in standard form, so Step 1 we skip.

Step 2.

We find the discriminant:

This means we will not be able to extract the root of the discriminant. There are no roots of the equation.

Now we know how to correctly write down such answers.

Answer: no roots

2. Solving quadratic equations using Vieta's theorem.

If you remember, there is a type of equation that is called reduced (when the coefficient a is equal to):

Such equations are very easy to solve using Vieta’s theorem:

Sum of roots given quadratic equation is equal, and the product of the roots is equal.

Example 12:

Solve the equation

This equation can be solved using Vieta's theorem because .

The sum of the roots of the equation is equal, i.e. we get the first equation:

And the product is equal to:

Let's compose and solve the system:

• And. The amount is equal to;
• And. The amount is equal to;
• And. The amount is equal.

and are the solution to the system:

Answer: ; .

Example 13:

Solve the equation

Answer:

Example 14:

Solve the equation

The equation is given, which means:

Answer:

QUADRATIC EQUATIONS. AVERAGE LEVEL

What is a quadratic equation?

In other words, a quadratic equation is an equation of the form, where - the unknown, - some numbers, and.

The number is called the highest or first coefficient quadratic equation, - second coefficient, A - free member.

Why? Because if the equation immediately becomes linear, because will disappear.

In this case, and can be equal to zero. In this chair equation is called incomplete. If all the terms are in place, that is, the equation is complete.

Solutions to various types of quadratic equations

Methods for solving incomplete quadratic equations:

First, let's look at methods for solving incomplete quadratic equations - they are simpler.

We can distinguish the following types of equations:

I., in this equation the coefficient and the free term are equal.

II. , in this equation the coefficient is equal.

III. , in this equation the free term is equal to.

Now let's look at the solution to each of these subtypes.

Obviously, this equation always has only one root:

A squared number cannot be negative, because when you multiply two negative or two positive numbers, the result will always be a positive number. That's why:

if, then the equation has no solutions;

if we have two roots

There is no need to memorize these formulas. The main thing to remember is that it cannot be less.

Examples:

Solutions:

Answer:

Never forget about roots with a negative sign!

The square of a number cannot be negative, which means that the equation

no roots.

To briefly write down that a problem has no solutions, we use the empty set icon.

Answer:

So, this equation has two roots: and.

Answer:

Let's take the common factor out of brackets:

The product is equal to zero if at least one of the factors is equal to zero. This means that the equation has a solution when:

So, this quadratic equation has two roots: and.

Example:

Solve the equation.

Solution:

Let's factor the left side of the equation and find the roots:

Answer:

Methods for solving complete quadratic equations:

1. Discriminant

Solving quadratic equations this way is easy, the main thing is to remember the sequence of actions and a couple of formulas. Remember, any quadratic equation can be solved using a discriminant! Even incomplete.

Did you notice the root from the discriminant in the formula for roots? But the discriminant can be negative. What to do? We need to pay special attention to step 2. The discriminant tells us the number of roots of the equation.

• If, then the equation has roots:
• If, then the equation has the same roots, and in fact, one root:

  Such roots are called double roots.

• If, then the root of the discriminant is not extracted. This indicates that the equation has no roots.

Why are different numbers of roots possible? Let us turn to the geometric meaning of the quadratic equation. The graph of the function is a parabola:

In a special case, which is a quadratic equation, . This means that the roots of a quadratic equation are the points of intersection with the abscissa axis (axis). A parabola may not intersect the axis at all, or may intersect it at one (when the vertex of the parabola lies on the axis) or two points.

In addition, the coefficient is responsible for the direction of the branches of the parabola. If, then the branches of the parabola are directed upward, and if, then downward.

Examples:

Solutions:

Answer:

Answer: .

Answer:

This means there are no solutions.

Answer: .

2. Vieta's theorem

It is very easy to use Vieta's theorem: you just need to choose a pair of numbers whose product is equal to the free term of the equation, and the sum is equal to the second coefficient taken with the opposite sign.

It is important to remember that Vieta's theorem can only be applied in reduced quadratic equations ().

Let's look at a few examples:

Example #1:

Solve the equation.

Solution:

This equation can be solved using Vieta's theorem because . Other coefficients: ; .

The sum of the roots of the equation is:

And the product is equal to:

Let's select pairs of numbers whose product is equal and check whether their sum is equal:

• And. The amount is equal to;
• And. The amount is equal to;
• And. The amount is equal.

and are the solution to the system:

Thus, and are the roots of our equation.

Answer: ; .

Example #2:

Solution:

Let's select pairs of numbers that give in the product, and then check whether their sum is equal:

and: they give in total.

and: they give in total. To obtain, it is enough to simply change the signs of the supposed roots: and, after all, the product.

Answer:

Example #3:

Solution:

The free term of the equation is negative, and therefore the product of the roots is a negative number. This is only possible if one of the roots is negative and the other is positive. Therefore the sum of the roots is equal to differences of their modules.

Let us select pairs of numbers that give in the product, and whose difference is equal to:

and: their difference is equal - does not fit;

and: - not suitable;

and: - not suitable;

and: - suitable. All that remains is to remember that one of the roots is negative. Since their sum must be equal, the root with the smaller modulus must be negative: . We check:

Answer:

Example #4:

Solve the equation.

Solution:

The equation is given, which means:

The free term is negative, and therefore the product of the roots is negative. And this is only possible when one root of the equation is negative and the other is positive.

Let's select pairs of numbers whose product is equal, and then determine which roots should have a negative sign:

Obviously, only the roots and are suitable for the first condition:

Answer:

Example #5:

Solve the equation.

Solution:

The equation is given, which means:

The sum of the roots is negative, which means that at least one of the roots is negative. But since their product is positive, it means both roots have a minus sign.

Let us select pairs of numbers whose product is equal to:

Obviously, the roots are the numbers and.

Answer:

Agree, it’s very convenient to come up with roots orally, instead of counting this nasty discriminant. Try to use Vieta's theorem as often as possible.

But Vieta’s theorem is needed in order to facilitate and speed up finding the roots. In order for you to benefit from using it, you must bring the actions to automaticity. And for this, solve five more examples. But don't cheat: you can't use a discriminant! Only Vieta's theorem:

Solutions to tasks for independent work:

Task 1. ((x)^(2))-8x+12=0

According to Vieta's theorem:

As usual, we start the selection with the piece:

Not suitable because the amount;

: the amount is just what you need.

Answer: ; .

Task 2.

And again our favorite Vieta theorem: the sum must be equal, and the product must be equal.

But since it must be not, but, we change the signs of the roots: and (in total).

Answer: ; .

Task 3.

Hmm... Where is that?

You need to move all the terms into one part:

The sum of the roots is equal to the product.

Okay, stop! The equation is not given. But Vieta's theorem is applicable only in the given equations. So first you need to give an equation. If you can’t lead, give up this idea and solve it in another way (for example, through a discriminant). Let me remind you that to give a quadratic equation means to make the leading coefficient equal:

Great. Then the sum of the roots is equal to and the product.

Here it’s as easy as shelling pears to choose: after all, it’s a prime number (sorry for the tautology).

Answer: ; .

Task 4.

The free member is negative. What's special about this? And the fact is that the roots will have different signs. And now, during the selection, we check not the sum of the roots, but the difference in their modules: this difference is equal, but a product.

So, the roots are equal to and, but one of them is minus. Vieta's theorem tells us that the sum of the roots is equal to the second coefficient with the opposite sign, that is. This means that the smaller root will have a minus: and, since.

Answer: ; .

Task 5.

What should you do first? That's right, give the equation:

Again: we select the factors of the number, and their difference should be equal to:

The roots are equal to and, but one of them is minus. Which? Their sum should be equal, which means that the minus will have a larger root.

Answer: ; .

Let me summarize:

1. Vieta's theorem is used only in the quadratic equations given.
2. Using Vieta's theorem, you can find the roots by selection, orally.
3. If the equation is not given or no suitable pair of factors of the free term is found, then there are no whole roots, and you need to solve it in another way (for example, through a discriminant).

3. Method for selecting a complete square

If all terms containing the unknown are represented in the form of terms from abbreviated multiplication formulas - the square of the sum or difference - then after replacing variables, the equation can be presented in the form of an incomplete quadratic equation of the type.

For example:

Example 1:

Solve the equation: .

Solution:

Answer:

Example 2:

Solve the equation: .

Solution:

Answer:

In general, the transformation will look like this:

This implies: .

Doesn't remind you of anything? This is a discriminatory thing! That's exactly how we got the discriminant formula.

QUADRATIC EQUATIONS. BRIEFLY ABOUT THE MAIN THINGS

Quadratic equation- this is an equation of the form, where - the unknown, - the coefficients of the quadratic equation, - the free term.

Complete quadratic equation- an equation in which the coefficients are not equal to zero.

Reduced quadratic equation- an equation in which the coefficient, that is: .

Incomplete quadratic equation- an equation in which the coefficient and or the free term c are equal to zero:

• if the coefficient, the equation looks like: ,
• if there is a free term, the equation has the form: ,
• if and, the equation looks like: .

1. Algorithm for solving incomplete quadratic equations

1.1. An incomplete quadratic equation of the form, where, :

1) Let's express the unknown: ,

2) Check the sign of the expression:

• if, then the equation has no solutions,
• if, then the equation has two roots.

1.2. An incomplete quadratic equation of the form, where, :

1) Let’s take the common factor out of brackets: ,

2) The product is equal to zero if at least one of the factors is equal to zero. Therefore, the equation has two roots:

1.3. An incomplete quadratic equation of the form, where:

This equation always has only one root: .

2. Algorithm for solving complete quadratic equations of the form where

2.1. Solution using discriminant

1) Let's bring the equation to standard form: ,

2) Let's calculate the discriminant using the formula: , which indicates the number of roots of the equation:

3) Find the roots of the equation:

• if, then the equation has roots, which are found by the formula:
• if, then the equation has a root, which is found by the formula:
• if, then the equation has no roots.

2.2. Solution using Vieta's theorem

The sum of the roots of the reduced quadratic equation (equation of the form where) is equal, and the product of the roots is equal, i.e. , A.

2.3. Solution by the method of selecting a complete square

Quadratic equations. Discriminant. Solution, examples.

Attention!
There are additional
materials in Special Section 555.
For those who are very "not very..."
And for those who “very much…”)

Types of quadratic equations

What is a quadratic equation? What does it look like? In term quadratic equation the keyword is "square". This means that in the equation Necessarily there must be an x ​​squared. In addition to it, the equation may (or may not!) contain just X (to the first power) and just a number (free member). And there should be no X's to a power greater than two.

In mathematical terms, a quadratic equation is an equation of the form:

Here a, b and c- some numbers. b and c- absolutely any, but A– anything other than zero. For example:

Here A =1; b = 3; c = -4

Here A =2; b = -0,5; c = 2,2

Here A =-3; b = 6; c = -18

Well, you understand...

In these quadratic equations on the left there is full set members. X squared with a coefficient A, x to the first power with coefficient b And free member s.

Such quadratic equations are called full.

And if b= 0, what do we get? We have X will be lost to the first power. This happens when multiplied by zero.) It turns out, for example:

5x 2 -25 = 0,

2x 2 -6x=0,

-x 2 +4x=0

And so on. And if both coefficients b And c are equal to zero, then it’s even simpler:

2x 2 =0,

-0.3x 2 =0

Such equations where something is missing are called incomplete quadratic equations. Which is quite logical.) Please note that x squared is present in all equations.

By the way, why A can't be equal to zero? And you substitute instead A zero.) Our X squared will disappear! The equation will become linear. And the solution is completely different...

That's all the main types of quadratic equations. Complete and incomplete.

Solving quadratic equations.

Solving complete quadratic equations.

Quadratic equations are easy to solve. According to formulas and clear, simple rules. At the first stage, it is necessary to bring the given equation to a standard form, i.e. to the form:

If the equation is already given to you in this form, you do not need to do the first stage.) The main thing is to correctly determine all the coefficients, A, b And c.

The formula for finding the roots of a quadratic equation looks like this:

The expression under the root sign is called discriminant. But more about him below. As you can see, to find X, we use only a, b and c. Those. coefficients from a quadratic equation. Just carefully substitute the values a, b and c We calculate into this formula. Let's substitute with your own signs! For example, in the equation:

A =1; b = 3; c= -4. Here we write it down:

The example is almost solved:

This is the answer.

Everything is very simple. And what, you think it’s impossible to make a mistake? Well, yes, how...

The most common mistakes are confusion with sign values a, b and c. Or rather, not with their signs (where to get confused?), but with the substitution of negative values ​​into the formula for calculating the roots. What helps here is a detailed recording of the formula with specific numbers. If there are problems with calculations, do that!

Suppose we need to solve the following example:

Here a = -6; b = -5; c = -1

Let's say you know that you rarely get answers the first time.

Well, don't be lazy. It will take about 30 seconds to write an extra line. And the number of errors will decrease sharply. So we write in detail, with all the brackets and signs:

It seems incredibly difficult to write out so carefully. But it only seems so. Give it a try. Well, or choose. What's better, fast or right? Besides, I will make you happy. After a while, there will be no need to write everything down so carefully. It will work out right on its own. Especially if you use practical techniques that are described below. This evil example with a bunch of minuses can be solved easily and without errors!

But, often, quadratic equations look slightly different. For example, like this:

Did you recognize it?) Yes! This incomplete quadratic equations.

Solving incomplete quadratic equations.

They can also be solved using a general formula. You just need to understand correctly what they are equal to here. a, b and c.

Have you figured it out? In the first example a = 1; b = -4; A c? It's not there at all! Well yes, that's right. In mathematics this means that c = 0 ! That's all. Substitute zero into the formula instead c, and we will succeed. Same with the second example. Only we don’t have zero here With, A b !

But incomplete quadratic equations can be solved much more simply. Without any formulas. Let's consider the first incomplete equation. What can you do on the left side? You can take X out of brackets! Let's take it out.

And what from this? And the fact that the product equals zero if and only if any of the factors equals zero! Don't believe me? Okay, then come up with two non-zero numbers that, when multiplied, will give zero!
Does not work? That's it...
Therefore, we can confidently write: x 1 = 0, x 2 = 4.

All. These will be the roots of our equation. Both are suitable. When substituting any of them into the original equation, we get the correct identity 0 = 0. As you can see, the solution is much simpler than using the general formula. Let me note, by the way, which X will be the first and which will be the second - absolutely indifferent. It is convenient to write in order, x 1- what is smaller and x 2- that which is greater.

The second equation can also be solved simply. Move 9 to the right side. We get:

All that remains is to extract the root from 9, and that’s it. It will turn out:

Also two roots . x 1 = -3, x 2 = 3.

This is how all incomplete quadratic equations are solved. Either by placing X out of brackets, or by simply moving the number to the right and then extracting the root.
It is extremely difficult to confuse these techniques. Simply because in the first case you will have to extract the root of X, which is somehow incomprehensible, and in the second case there is nothing to take out of brackets...

Discriminant. Discriminant formula.

Magic word discriminant ! Rarely a high school student has not heard this word! The phrase “we solve through a discriminant” inspires confidence and reassurance. Because there is no need to expect tricks from the discriminant! It is simple and trouble-free to use.) I remind you of the most general formula for solving any quadratic equations:

The expression under the root sign is called a discriminant. Typically the discriminant is denoted by the letter D. Discriminant formula:

D = b 2 - 4ac

And what is so remarkable about this expression? Why did it deserve a special name? What the meaning of the discriminant? After all -b, or 2a in this formula they don’t specifically call it anything... Letters and letters.

Here's the thing. When solving a quadratic equation using this formula, it is possible only three cases.

1. The discriminant is positive. This means the root can be extracted from it. Whether the root is extracted well or poorly is another question. What is important is what is extracted in principle. Then your quadratic equation has two roots. Two different solutions.

2. The discriminant is zero. Then you will have one solution. Since adding or subtracting zero in the numerator does not change anything. Strictly speaking, this is not one root, but two identical. But, in a simplified version, it is customary to talk about one solution.

3. The discriminant is negative. The square root of a negative number cannot be taken. Well, okay. This means there are no solutions.

To be honest, when simply solving quadratic equations, the concept of a discriminant is not really needed. We substitute the values ​​of the coefficients into the formula and count. Everything happens there by itself, two roots, one, and none. However, when solving more complex tasks, without knowledge meaning and formula of the discriminant not enough. Especially in equations with parameters. Such equations are aerobatics for the State Examination and the Unified State Examination!)

So, how to solve quadratic equations through the discriminant you remembered. Or you learned, which is also not bad.) You know how to correctly determine a, b and c. Do you know how? attentively substitute them into the root formula and attentively count the result. You understand that the key word here is attentively?

Now take note of practical techniques that dramatically reduce the number of errors. The same ones that are due to inattention... For which it later becomes painful and offensive...

First appointment . Don’t be lazy before solving a quadratic equation and bring it to standard form. What does this mean?
Let's say that after all the transformations you get the following equation:

Don't rush to write the root formula! You'll almost certainly get the odds mixed up a, b and c. Construct the example correctly. First, X squared, then without square, then the free term. Like this:

And again, don’t rush! A minus in front of an X squared can really upset you. It's easy to forget... Get rid of the minus. How? Yes, as taught in the previous topic! We need to multiply the entire equation by -1. We get:

But now you can safely write down the formula for the roots, calculate the discriminant and finish solving the example. Decide for yourself. You should now have roots 2 and -1.

Reception second. Check the roots! According to Vieta's theorem. Don't be scared, I'll explain everything! Checking last thing the equation. Those. the one we used to write down the root formula. If (as in this example) the coefficient a = 1, checking the roots is easy. It is enough to multiply them. The result should be a free member, i.e. in our case -2. Please note, not 2, but -2! Free member with your sign . If it doesn’t work out, it means they’ve already screwed up somewhere. Look for the error.

If it works, you need to add the roots. Last and final check. The coefficient should be b With opposite familiar. In our case -1+2 = +1. A coefficient b, which is before the X, is equal to -1. So, everything is correct!
It’s a pity that this is so simple only for examples where x squared is pure, with a coefficient a = 1. But at least check in such equations! There will be fewer and fewer errors.

Reception third . If your equation has fractional coefficients, get rid of the fractions! Multiply the equation by a common denominator as described in the lesson "How to solve equations? Identity transformations." When working with fractions, errors keep creeping in for some reason...

By the way, I promised to simplify the evil example with a bunch of minuses. Please! Here he is.

In order not to get confused by the minuses, we multiply the equation by -1. We get:

That's all! Solving is a pleasure!

So, let's summarize the topic.

Practical tips:

1. Before solving, we bring the quadratic equation to standard form and build it Right.

2. If there is a negative coefficient in front of the X squared, we eliminate it by multiplying the entire equation by -1.

3. If the coefficients are fractional, we eliminate the fractions by multiplying the entire equation by the corresponding factor.

4. If x squared is pure, its coefficient is equal to one, the solution can be easily verified using Vieta’s theorem. Do it!

Now we can decide.)

Solve equations:

8x 2 - 6x + 1 = 0

x 2 + 3x + 8 = 0

x 2 - 4x + 4 = 0

(x+1) 2 + x + 1 = (x+1)(x+2)

Answers (in disarray):

x 1 = 0
x 2 = 5

x 1.2 =2

x 1 = 2
x 2 = -0.5

x - any number

x 1 = -3
x 2 = 3

no solutions

x 1 = 0.25
x 2 = 0.5

Does everything fit? Great! Quadratic equations are not your headache. The first three worked, but the rest didn’t? Then the problem is not with quadratic equations. The problem is in identical transformations of equations. Take a look at the link, it's helpful.

Doesn't quite work out? Or does it not work out at all? Then Section 555 will help you. All these examples are broken down there. Shown main errors in the solution. Of course, we also talk about the use of identical transformations in solving various equations. Helps a lot!

If you like this site...

By the way, I have a couple more interesting sites for you.)

You can practice solving examples and find out your level. Testing with instant verification. Let's learn - with interest!)

You can get acquainted with functions and derivatives.

We continue to study the topic “ solving equations" We have already become acquainted with linear equations and are moving on to getting acquainted with quadratic equations.

First, we will look at what a quadratic equation is, how it is written in general form, and give related definitions. After this, we will use examples to examine in detail how incomplete quadratic equations are solved. Next, we will move on to solving complete equations, obtain the root formula, get acquainted with the discriminant of a quadratic equation, and consider solutions to typical examples. Finally, let's trace the connections between the roots and coefficients.

Page navigation.

What is a quadratic equation? Their types

First you need to clearly understand what a quadratic equation is. Therefore, it is logical to start a conversation about quadratic equations with the definition of a quadratic equation, as well as related definitions. After this, you can consider the main types of quadratic equations: reduced and unreduced, as well as complete and incomplete equations.

Definition and examples of quadratic equations

Definition.

Quadratic equation is an equation of the form a x 2 +b x+c=0, where x is a variable, a, b and c are some numbers, and a is non-zero.

Let's say right away that quadratic equations are often called equations of the second degree. This is due to the fact that the quadratic equation is algebraic equation second degree.

The stated definition allows us to give examples of quadratic equations. So 2 x 2 +6 x+1=0, 0.2 x 2 +2.5 x+0.03=0, etc. These are quadratic equations.

Definition.

Numbers a, b and c are called coefficients of the quadratic equation a·x 2 +b·x+c=0, and coefficient a is called the first, or the highest, or the coefficient of x 2, b is the second coefficient, or the coefficient of x, and c is the free term.

For example, let's take a quadratic equation of the form 5 x 2 −2 x −3=0, here the leading coefficient is 5, the second coefficient is equal to −2, and the free term is equal to −3. Please note that when the coefficients b and/or c are negative, as in the example just given, the short form of the quadratic equation is 5 x 2 −2 x−3=0 , rather than 5 x 2 +(−2 )·x+(−3)=0 .

It is worth noting that when the coefficients a and/or b are equal to 1 or −1, they are usually not explicitly present in the quadratic equation, which is due to the peculiarities of writing such . For example, in the quadratic equation y 2 −y+3=0 the leading coefficient is one, and the coefficient of y is equal to −1.

Reduced and unreduced quadratic equations

Depending on the value of the leading coefficient, reduced and unreduced quadratic equations are distinguished. Let us give the corresponding definitions.

Definition.

A quadratic equation in which the leading coefficient is 1 is called given quadratic equation. Otherwise the quadratic equation is untouched.

According to this definition, quadratic equations x 2 −3·x+1=0, x 2 −x−2/3=0, etc. – given, in each of them the first coefficient is equal to one. A 5 x 2 −x−1=0, etc. - unreduced quadratic equations, their leading coefficients are different from 1.

From any unreduced quadratic equation, by dividing both sides by the leading coefficient, you can go to the reduced one. This action is an equivalent transformation, that is, the reduced quadratic equation obtained in this way has the same roots as the original unreduced quadratic equation, or, like it, has no roots.

Let us look at an example of how the transition from an unreduced quadratic equation to a reduced one is performed.

Example.

From the equation 3 x 2 +12 x−7=0, go to the corresponding reduced quadratic equation.

Solution.

We just need to divide both sides of the original equation by the leading coefficient 3, it is non-zero, so we can perform this action. We have (3 x 2 +12 x−7):3=0:3, which is the same, (3 x 2):3+(12 x):3−7:3=0, and then (3:3) x 2 +(12:3) x−7:3=0, from where . This is how we obtained the reduced quadratic equation, which is equivalent to the original one.

Answer:

Complete and incomplete quadratic equations

The definition of a quadratic equation contains the condition a≠0. This condition is necessary so that the equation a x 2 + b x + c = 0 is quadratic, since when a = 0 it actually becomes a linear equation of the form b x + c = 0.

As for the coefficients b and c, they can be equal to zero, both individually and together. In these cases, the quadratic equation is called incomplete.

Definition.

The quadratic equation a x 2 +b x+c=0 is called incomplete, if at least one of the coefficients b, c is equal to zero.

In its turn

Definition.

Complete quadratic equation is an equation in which all coefficients are different from zero.

Such names were not given by chance. This will become clear from the following discussions.

If the coefficient b is zero, then the quadratic equation takes the form a·x 2 +0·x+c=0, and it is equivalent to the equation a·x 2 +c=0. If c=0, that is, the quadratic equation has the form a·x 2 +b·x+0=0, then it can be rewritten as a·x 2 +b·x=0. And with b=0 and c=0 we get the quadratic equation a·x 2 =0. The resulting equations differ from the complete quadratic equation in that their left-hand sides do not contain either a term with the variable x, or a free term, or both. Hence their name - incomplete quadratic equations.

So the equations x 2 +x+1=0 and −2 x 2 −5 x+0.2=0 are examples of complete quadratic equations, and x 2 =0, −2 x 2 =0, 5 x 2 +3=0 , −x 2 −5 x=0 are incomplete quadratic equations.

Solving incomplete quadratic equations

From the information in the previous paragraph it follows that there is three types of incomplete quadratic equations:

• a·x 2 =0, the coefficients b=0 and c=0 correspond to it;
• a x 2 +c=0 when b=0 ;
• and a·x 2 +b·x=0 when c=0.

Let us examine in order how incomplete quadratic equations of each of these types are solved.

a x 2 =0

Let's start with solving incomplete quadratic equations in which the coefficients b and c are equal to zero, that is, with equations of the form a x 2 =0. The equation a·x 2 =0 is equivalent to the equation x 2 =0, which is obtained from the original by dividing both parts by a non-zero number a. Obviously, the root of the equation x 2 =0 is zero, since 0 2 =0. This equation has no other roots, which is explained by the fact that for any non-zero number p the inequality p 2 >0 holds, which means that for p≠0 the equality p 2 =0 is never achieved.

So, the incomplete quadratic equation a·x 2 =0 has a single root x=0.

As an example, we give the solution to the incomplete quadratic equation −4 x 2 =0. It is equivalent to the equation x 2 =0, its only root is x=0, therefore, the original equation has a single root zero.

A short solution in this case can be written as follows:
−4 x 2 =0 ,
x 2 =0,
x=0 .

a x 2 +c=0

Now let's look at how incomplete quadratic equations are solved in which the coefficient b is zero and c≠0, that is, equations of the form a x 2 +c=0. We know that moving a term from one side of the equation to the other with the opposite sign, as well as dividing both sides of the equation by a non-zero number, gives an equivalent equation. Therefore, we can carry out the following equivalent transformations of the incomplete quadratic equation a x 2 +c=0:

• move c to the right side, which gives the equation a x 2 =−c,
• and divide both sides by a, we get .

The resulting equation allows us to draw conclusions about its roots. Depending on the values ​​of a and c, the value of the expression can be negative (for example, if a=1 and c=2, then ) or positive (for example, if a=−2 and c=6, then ), it is not zero , since by condition c≠0. Let's look at the cases separately.

If , then the equation has no roots. This statement follows from the fact that the square of any number is a non-negative number. It follows from this that when , then for any number p the equality cannot be true.

If , then the situation with the roots of the equation is different. In this case, if we remember about , then the root of the equation immediately becomes obvious; it is the number, since . It’s easy to guess that the number is also the root of the equation, indeed, . This equation has no other roots, which can be shown, for example, by contradiction. Let's do it.

Let us denote the roots of the equation just announced as x 1 and −x 1 . Suppose that the equation has one more root x 2, different from the indicated roots x 1 and −x 1. It is known that substituting its roots into an equation instead of x turns the equation into a correct numerical equality. For x 1 and −x 1 we have , and for x 2 we have . The properties of numerical equalities allow us to perform term-by-term subtraction of correct numerical equalities, so subtracting the corresponding parts of the equalities gives x 1 2 −x 2 2 =0. The properties of operations with numbers allow us to rewrite the resulting equality as (x 1 −x 2)·(x 1 +x 2)=0. We know that the product of two numbers is equal to zero if and only if at least one of them is equal to zero. Therefore, from the resulting equality it follows that x 1 −x 2 =0 and/or x 1 +x 2 =0, which is the same, x 2 =x 1 and/or x 2 =−x 1. So we came to a contradiction, since at the beginning we said that the root of the equation x 2 is different from x 1 and −x 1. This proves that the equation has no roots other than and .

Let us summarize the information in this paragraph. The incomplete quadratic equation a x 2 +c=0 is equivalent to the equation that

• has no roots if ,
• has two roots and , if .

Let's consider examples of solving incomplete quadratic equations of the form a·x 2 +c=0.

Let's start with the quadratic equation 9 x 2 +7=0. After moving the free term to the right side of the equation, it will take the form 9 x 2 =−7. Dividing both sides of the resulting equation by 9, we arrive at . Since the right side has a negative number, this equation has no roots, therefore, the original incomplete quadratic equation 9 x 2 +7 = 0 has no roots.

Let's solve another incomplete quadratic equation −x 2 +9=0. We move the nine to the right side: −x 2 =−9. Now we divide both sides by −1, we get x 2 =9. On the right side there is a positive number, from which we conclude that or . Then we write down the final answer: the incomplete quadratic equation −x 2 +9=0 has two roots x=3 or x=−3.

a x 2 +b x=0

It remains to deal with the solution of the last type of incomplete quadratic equations for c=0. Incomplete quadratic equations of the form a x 2 + b x = 0 allows you to solve factorization method. Obviously, we can, located on the left side of the equation, for which it is enough to take the common factor x out of brackets. This allows us to move from the original incomplete quadratic equation to an equivalent equation of the form x·(a·x+b)=0. And this equation is equivalent to a set of two equations x=0 and a·x+b=0, the latter of which is linear and has a root x=−b/a.

So, the incomplete quadratic equation a·x 2 +b·x=0 has two roots x=0 and x=−b/a.

To consolidate the material, we will analyze the solution to a specific example.

Example.

Solve the equation.

Solution.

Taking x out of brackets gives the equation . It is equivalent to two equations x=0 and . We solve the resulting linear equation: , and by dividing the mixed number by an ordinary fraction, we find . Therefore, the roots of the original equation are x=0 and .

After gaining the necessary practice, solutions to such equations can be written briefly:

Answer:

x=0 , .

Discriminant, formula for the roots of a quadratic equation

To solve quadratic equations, there is a root formula. Let's write it down formula for the roots of a quadratic equation: , Where D=b 2 −4 a c- so-called discriminant of a quadratic equation. The entry essentially means that .

It is useful to know how the root formula was derived and how it is used in finding the roots of quadratic equations. Let's figure this out.

Derivation of the formula for the roots of a quadratic equation

Let us need to solve the quadratic equation a·x 2 +b·x+c=0. Let's perform some equivalent transformations:

• We can divide both sides of this equation by a non-zero number a, resulting in the following quadratic equation.
• Now select a complete square on its left side: . After this, the equation will take the form .
• At this stage, it is possible to transfer the last two terms to the right side with the opposite sign, we have .
• And let’s also transform the expression on the right side: .

As a result, we arrive at an equation that is equivalent to the original quadratic equation a·x 2 +b·x+c=0.

We have already solved equations similar in form in the previous paragraphs, when we examined. This allows us to draw the following conclusions regarding the roots of the equation:

• if , then the equation has no real solutions;
• if , then the equation has the form , therefore, , from which its only root is visible;
• if , then or , which is the same as or , that is, the equation has two roots.

Thus, the presence or absence of roots of the equation, and therefore the original quadratic equation, depends on the sign of the expression on the right side. In turn, the sign of this expression is determined by the sign of the numerator, since the denominator 4·a 2 is always positive, that is, by the sign of the expression b 2 −4·a·c. This expression b 2 −4 a c was called discriminant of a quadratic equation and designated by the letter D. From here the essence of the discriminant is clear - based on its value and sign, they conclude whether the quadratic equation has real roots, and if so, what is their number - one or two.

Let's return to the equation and rewrite it using the discriminant notation: . And we draw conclusions:

• if D<0 , то это уравнение не имеет действительных корней;
• if D=0, then this equation has a single root;
• finally, if D>0, then the equation has two roots or, which can be rewritten in the form or, and after expanding and bringing the fractions to a common denominator we obtain.

So we derived the formulas for the roots of the quadratic equation, they look like , where the discriminant D is calculated by the formula D=b 2 −4·a·c.

With their help, with a positive discriminant, you can calculate both real roots of a quadratic equation. When the discriminant is equal to zero, both formulas give the same value of the root, corresponding to a unique solution to the quadratic equation. And with a negative discriminant, when trying to use the formula for the roots of a quadratic equation, we are faced with extracting the square root of a negative number, which takes us beyond the scope of the school curriculum. With a negative discriminant, the quadratic equation has no real roots, but has a pair complex conjugate roots, which can be found using the same root formulas we obtained.

Algorithm for solving quadratic equations using root formulas

In practice, when solving quadratic equations, you can immediately use the root formula to calculate their values. But this is more related to finding complex roots.

However, in a school algebra course we usually talk not about complex, but about real roots of a quadratic equation. In this case, it is advisable, before using the formulas for the roots of a quadratic equation, to first find the discriminant, make sure that it is non-negative (otherwise, we can conclude that the equation does not have real roots), and only then calculate the values ​​of the roots.

The above reasoning allows us to write algorithm for solving a quadratic equation. To solve the quadratic equation a x 2 +b x+c=0, you need to:

• using the discriminant formula D=b 2 −4·a·c, calculate its value;
• conclude that a quadratic equation has no real roots if the discriminant is negative;
• calculate the only root of the equation using the formula if D=0;
• find two real roots of a quadratic equation using the root formula if the discriminant is positive.

Here we just note that if the discriminant is equal to zero, you can also use the formula; it will give the same value as .

You can move on to examples of using the algorithm for solving quadratic equations.

Examples of solving quadratic equations

Let's consider solutions to three quadratic equations with a positive, negative and zero discriminant. Having dealt with their solution, by analogy it will be possible to solve any other quadratic equation. Let's begin.

Example.

Find the roots of the equation x 2 +2·x−6=0.

Solution.

In this case, we have the following coefficients of the quadratic equation: a=1, b=2 and c=−6. According to the algorithm, you first need to calculate the discriminant; to do this, we substitute the indicated a, b and c into the discriminant formula, we have D=b 2 −4·a·c=2 2 −4·1·(−6)=4+24=28. Since 28>0, that is, the discriminant is greater than zero, the quadratic equation has two real roots. Let's find them using the root formula, we get , here you can simplify the resulting expressions by doing moving the multiplier beyond the root sign followed by reduction of the fraction:

Answer:

Let's move on to the next typical example.

Example.

Solve the quadratic equation −4 x 2 +28 x−49=0 .

Solution.

We start by finding the discriminant: D=28 2 −4·(−4)·(−49)=784−784=0. Therefore, this quadratic equation has a single root, which we find as , that is,

Answer:

x=3.5.

It remains to consider solving quadratic equations with a negative discriminant.

Example.

Solve the equation 5·y 2 +6·y+2=0.

Solution.

Here are the coefficients of the quadratic equation: a=5, b=6 and c=2. We substitute these values ​​into the discriminant formula, we have D=b 2 −4·a·c=6 2 −4·5·2=36−40=−4. The discriminant is negative, therefore, this quadratic equation has no real roots.

If you need to indicate complex roots, then we apply the well-known formula for the roots of a quadratic equation, and perform operations with complex numbers:

Answer:

there are no real roots, complex roots are: .

Let us note once again that if the discriminant of a quadratic equation is negative, then in school they usually immediately write down an answer in which they indicate that there are no real roots, and complex roots are not found.

Root formula for even second coefficients

The formula for the roots of a quadratic equation, where D=b 2 −4·a·c allows you to obtain a formula of a more compact form, allowing you to solve quadratic equations with an even coefficient for x (or simply with a coefficient having the form 2·n, for example, or 14· ln5=2·7·ln5 ). Let's get her out.

Let's say we need to solve a quadratic equation of the form a x 2 +2 n x+c=0. Let's find its roots using the formula we know. To do this, we calculate the discriminant D=(2 n) 2 −4 a c=4 n 2 −4 a c=4 (n 2 −a c), and then we use the root formula:

Let us denote the expression n 2 −a c as D 1 (sometimes it is denoted D "). Then the formula for the roots of the quadratic equation under consideration with the second coefficient 2 n will take the form , where D 1 =n 2 −a·c.

It is easy to see that D=4·D 1, or D 1 =D/4. In other words, D 1 is the fourth part of the discriminant. It is clear that the sign of D 1 is the same as the sign of D . That is, the sign D 1 is also an indicator of the presence or absence of roots of a quadratic equation.

So, to solve a quadratic equation with a second coefficient 2·n, you need

• Calculate D 1 =n 2 −a·c ;
• If D 1<0 , то сделать вывод, что действительных корней нет;
• If D 1 =0, then calculate the only root of the equation using the formula;
• If D 1 >0, then find two real roots using the formula.

Let's consider solving the example using the root formula obtained in this paragraph.

Example.

Solve the quadratic equation 5 x 2 −6 x −32=0 .

Solution.

The second coefficient of this equation can be represented as 2·(−3) . That is, you can rewrite the original quadratic equation in the form 5 x 2 +2 (−3) x−32=0, here a=5, n=−3 and c=−32, and calculate the fourth part of the discriminant: D 1 =n 2 −a·c=(−3) 2 −5·(−32)=9+160=169. Since its value is positive, the equation has two real roots. Let's find them using the appropriate root formula:

Note that it was possible to use the usual formula for the roots of a quadratic equation, but in this case more computational work would have to be performed.

Answer:

Simplifying the form of quadratic equations

Sometimes, before starting to calculate the roots of a quadratic equation using formulas, it doesn’t hurt to ask the question: “Is it possible to simplify the form of this equation?” Agree that in terms of calculations it will be easier to solve the quadratic equation 11 x 2 −4 x−6=0 than 1100 x 2 −400 x−600=0.

Typically, simplifying the form of a quadratic equation is achieved by multiplying or dividing both sides by a certain number. For example, in the previous paragraph it was possible to simplify the equation 1100 x 2 −400 x −600=0 by dividing both sides by 100.

A similar transformation is carried out with quadratic equations, the coefficients of which are not . In this case, both sides of the equation are usually divided by the absolute values ​​of its coefficients. For example, let's take the quadratic equation 12 x 2 −42 x+48=0. absolute values ​​of its coefficients: GCD(12, 42, 48)= GCD(GCD(12, 42), 48)= GCD(6, 48)=6. Dividing both sides of the original quadratic equation by 6, we arrive at the equivalent quadratic equation 2 x 2 −7 x+8=0.

And multiplying both sides of a quadratic equation is usually done to get rid of fractional coefficients. In this case, multiplication is carried out by the denominators of its coefficients. For example, if both sides of the quadratic equation are multiplied by LCM(6, 3, 1)=6, then it will take the simpler form x 2 +4·x−18=0.

In conclusion of this point, we note that they almost always get rid of the minus at the highest coefficient of a quadratic equation by changing the signs of all terms, which corresponds to multiplying (or dividing) both sides by −1. For example, usually one moves from the quadratic equation −2 x 2 −3 x+7=0 to the solution 2 x 2 +3 x−7=0 .

Relationship between roots and coefficients of a quadratic equation

The formula for the roots of a quadratic equation expresses the roots of the equation through its coefficients. Based on the root formula, you can obtain other relationships between roots and coefficients.

The most well-known and applicable formulas from Vieta’s theorem are of the form and . In particular, for the given quadratic equation, the sum of the roots is equal to the second coefficient with the opposite sign, and the product of the roots is equal to the free term. For example, by looking at the form of the quadratic equation 3 x 2 −7 x + 22 = 0, we can immediately say that the sum of its roots is equal to 7/3, and the product of the roots is equal to 22/3.

Using the already written formulas, you can obtain a number of other connections between the roots and coefficients of the quadratic equation. For example, you can express the sum of the squares of the roots of a quadratic equation through its coefficients: .

Bibliography.

• Algebra: textbook for 8th grade. general education institutions / [Yu. N. Makarychev, N. G. Mindyuk, K. I. Neshkov, S. B. Suvorova]; edited by S. A. Telyakovsky. - 16th ed. - M.: Education, 2008. - 271 p. : ill. - ISBN 978-5-09-019243-9.
• Mordkovich A. G. Algebra. 8th grade. In 2 hours. Part 1. Textbook for students of general education institutions / A. G. Mordkovich. - 11th ed., erased. - M.: Mnemosyne, 2009. - 215 p.: ill. ISBN 978-5-346-01155-2.