Solve the quadratic equation 2(x^2) + 3x + 1 = 0

There are two ways to solve this equation. In the first method, we can simplify the quadratic by observation into two linear equations multiplied together, giving us (2x + 1)(x + 1) = 0. We can then set each of these linear equations equal to 0, and solve to get x = -0.5 and x = -1. However, as this method requires simplification by observation, I believe an easier method is to use the quadratic formula x = (-b +/- sqr(b^2 - 4ac))/2a as this just requires the input of numbers. In this situation; a = 2, b = 3 and c = 1. This gives us the equation x = (-3 +/- sqr(9 - 8))/4 which simplifies to x = -0.5 or x = -1.

JC
Answered by Joe C. Maths tutor

4708 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do you factorise x^2 - 4?


A linear sequence starts: a+2b, a+6b, a+10b, ..., ... The 2nd term has a value of 8. The 5th term has a value of 44. Work out the values of a and b.


y is inversely proportional to d^2. When d = 10, y = 4. d is directly proportional to x^2. When x = 2, d = 24. Find a formula for y in terms of x. Give your answer in its simplest form.


Why doesn't (a+b)^2 = a^2+b^2


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning