Algebra 1 Unit 3A: Factoring & Solving Quadratic Equations Notes
Day 8 - Solving by Quadratic Formula
Standard(s): MGSE9–12.A.REI.4b Solve quadratic equations by inspection (e.g., for x2 = 49), taking
square roots, factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula, as appropriate to the
initial form of the equation (limit to real number solutions).
Exploring the Nature of Roots
Determine the number of real solutions (roots/x-intercepts) for the following graphs:
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 3 2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 + 25 3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1
The Discriminant
Given a quadratic function in standard form: ax + bx + c = 0, where a 0 ,
2
• The discriminant is found by using: b2 – 4ac
• The discriminant can be used to determine the real number of solutions for a quadratic
equation.
Interpretation of the Discriminant (b2 – 4ac)
• If b2 – 4ac is positive:
• If b2 – 4ac is zero:
• If b2 – 4ac is negative:
Practice: Find the discriminant for the previous three functions:
a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 3 b) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 + 25 c) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1
Discriminant: _______ Discriminant: _______ Discriminant: _______
#of real solutions: _____ #of real solutions: _____ #of real solutions: _____
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Algebra 1 Unit 3A: Factoring & Solving Quadratic Equations Notes
The Quadratic Formula
We have learned three methods for solving quadratics:
• Factoring (Only works if the equation is factorable)
• Taking the Square Roots (Only works when equations are not in Standard Form)
• Completing the Square (Only works when a is 1 and b is even)
What method do you use when your equations are not factorable, but are in standard form, and a
may not be 1 and b may not be even?
The Quadratic Formula
for equations in standard form: y = ax2 + bx + c
−𝑏 ± √𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
𝑥=
2𝑎
x represents the zeros and b2 – 4ac is the discriminant
Practice with the Quadratic Formula
For the quadratic equations below, use the quadratic formula to find the solutions. Write your answer
in simplest radical form.
1) 𝟒𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟑𝒙 + 𝟑 = 𝟎 a = ____ b = ____ c = _____ 2) 9𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 1 = 0 a = ____ b = ____ c = _____
Discriminant: _________________ Discriminant: _________________
Solutions: ____________________ Zeros: ________________________
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Algebra 1 Unit 3A: Factoring & Solving Quadratic Equations Notes
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3) 7x + 8x + 3 = 0 a = ____ b = ____ c = _____ 4) −3𝑥 + 2𝑥 = −8
2
a = ____ b = ____ c = _____
Discriminant: ____________ Discriminant: ____________
X = _____________________ Roots: __________________
Determining the Best Method
Non-Factorable Methods
Completing the Square Finding Square Roots Quadratic Formula
ax2 + bx + c = 0, ax2 - c = 0 ax2 + bx + c = 0
when a = 1 and b is an even # Parenthesis in equation Any equation in standard form
Large coefficients
Examples Examples
x2 – 6x + 11 = 0 2x2 + 5 = 9 Examples
x2 – 2x - 20= 0 5(x + 3)2 – 5 = 20 3x2 + 9x – 1 = 0
x2 – 36 = 0 20x2 + 36x – 17 = 0
Factorable Methods
A = 1 & A Not 1 (Factor into 2 Binomials) GCF
ax + bx + c = 0, when a =1
2 ax2 + bx = 0
ax2 ± bx ± c = 0, when a > 1
x2 - c = 0 Examples
5x2 + 20x = 0
Examples x2 – 6x = 8x
3x2 – 20x – 7 = 0
x2 – 3x + 2 = 0
x2 + 5x = -6
x2 – 25 = 0
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