How do I find the root of a quadratic equation?

Usually the easiest way to find the root of a quadratic is to factorise it so you have something a form similar to - (x+2)(x-1)=0.

From here you need to find a value for x that makes each bracket equal to zero. Here we can see our answers are x = 1 and x = -2.

If the equation cannot be factorised our backup method that is slightly more complicated but always correct is to use the quadratic equation. 

This is given as x = (-b ± (b2-4ac)1/2)/2a,

Where a, b and c come from your original quadratic as ax2+bx+c. 

NF
Answered by Nicky F. Maths tutor

5277 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

The Volume of a tin of radius r cm is given by V=pi*(40r-r^2-r^3). Find the positive value of r for which dV/dr=0 and find the value of V for this r.


What is integration?


How do you find dy/dx for a set of parametric equations?


Solving 2tan(x) - 3sin(x) = 0 for -pi ≤ x < pi


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences