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

5831 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Given that dx/dt = (1+2x)*4e^(-2t) and x = 1/2 when t = 0, show that ln[2/(1+2x)] = 8[1 - e^(-2t)]


Integrate cos^2(x)


How do I find the inverse of a 2x2 matrix?


Using the trigonometric identity for tan(A + B), prove that tan(3x)=(3tan(x)-tan^3(x))/(1-3tan^2(x))


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