Can you explain the quadratic formula?

The quadratic formula is used to solve the quadratic equation. Although methods like factorising or completing the square can easily be used, this offers another method which can be used for more difficult equations. The general form of a quadratic equations is ax2+bx+c=0 where a,b and c are constants or coefficients of each of the terms. The quadratic formula essentially gives you two solutions to the equation. The quadratic formula is x= (-b ±sqrt(b2-4ac))/2a, where a,b and c are the constants defined above.  All you have to do is subsitute in the coefficients of each of the terms in to the formula and it will give you the two solutions.

SI
Answered by Shazeaa I. Maths tutor

4111 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

In a village the number of houses and the number of flats are in the ratio 7 : 4 the number of flats and the number of bungalows are in the ratio 8 : 5 There are 50 bungalows in the village. How many houses are there in the village?


1) 3x + y = 11 2) 2x + y = 8


When should I use the quadratic formula?


There are two points 'A' and 'B' on a graph, their coordinates are (0,1) and (10,6) respectively. 1)Find the equation of the line that runs through both of these points.2)Find the equation of a line perpendicular to this through point 'B'.


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