Search the courses, subjects, tracks, games and features, or jump straight to a page.
Learn it your way
A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
Sign up free to listen. Transcripts are free to read.
Today, we are going to solve quadratic equations using the factorization method. Can anyone remind me what a quadratic equation looks like?
It’s in the form ax² + bx + c = 0, right?
Exactly! Now, what do we mean by factorization?
It’s when we break down an expression into products of simpler expressions.
Great! So to solve the quadratic equation, we need to express ax² + bx + c as a product of two linear factors. Let’s look at an example: x² + 5x + 6 = 0. Can anyone factor this?
It factors to (x + 2)(x + 3) = 0.
Perfect! To find the roots, we set each factor to zero. What do we get?
x = -2 and x = -3!
Well done! So, the solution through factorization gives us two roots. Remember, factorization depends on finding two numbers that multiply to ac and add up to b.
For the mnemonic, remember 'Factor it, Zero it, Solve it'. Let’s summarize: We identify, factor, and solve. Any questions?
Now, let’s explore another method called completing the square. Who can explain what it means?
It’s turning a quadratic equation into a perfect square trinomial.
Exactly! Let’s take the equation x² + 6x + 5 = 0. First, we isolate x² terms. What do we do next?
We move the constant to the other side, so it becomes x² + 6x = -5.
Right! Next, we take half of the coefficient of x, which is 6, halve it to get 3, and then square it, yielding 9. What do we add to both sides?
We add 9, so we have x² + 6x + 9 = 4.
Exactly! Now it factors to (x + 3)² = 4. What do we do next?
Take the square root and solve for x: x + 3 = ±2.
Great! So our roots are x = -1 and x = -5. Completing the square helps us see the vertex of the parabola as well. Any questions?
Remember, for completing the square, think 'Isolate, Complete, Solve'. Now let’s summarize: Isolate x², complete the square, and find roots.
Finally, we’ll learn about the quadratic formula, which is x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a). When do we use this formula?
When the equation is difficult to factor, right?
Correct! Let’s use it on an example, such as 2x² - 4x - 6 = 0. What’s our first step?
We identify the coefficients a = 2, b = -4, and c = -6.
Good. Now plug these into the formula! What do you get?
x = (4 ± √((-4)² - 42(-6))) / (2*2).
Exactly! Now calculate the discriminant.
The discriminant is 16 + 48 = 64.
Perfect! Now what?
We have x = (4 ± 8) / 4, so x = 3 or x = -1.
Well done! The quadratic formula is a powerful tool. For memory, think 'Plug in, Find roots, Verify'. Let’s summarize: Identify, plug, calculate.
Example 1: Solve x² + 5x + 6 = 0 by factorization. Factors are (x + 2)(x + 3) = 0. Solutions: x = -2, -3.
Example 2: Solve x² + 6x + 5 = 0 by completing the square. By completing the square, we rewrite it as (x + 3)² = 4. Solutions: x = -1, -5.
Example 3: Solve 2x² - 4x - 6 = 0 using the quadratic formula. Coefficients are a=2, b=-4, c=-6. Solutions: x = 3, -1.
Quadratic roots, oh what a treat, Factor or complete, the square's so neat!
Once upon a time, a hero named Quadratica had to find treasure hidden in the square forest. To uncover the treasure, she either had to factor trees into pairs or complete the square path laid before her.
For the quadratic formula, remember: 'Negative B, plus or minus the square root, divided by 2A.'
F-C-Q for solving quadratics: Factorize, Complete the square, Use the Quadratic formula.
Term
Quadratic Formula
Click to flip
Term
Completing the Square
Click to flip
Term
Factorization
Click to flip
Term
Roots
Click to flip
Term
Discriminant
Click to flip
An equation in the form ax² + bx + c = 0, where a ≠ 0.
The process of breaking down an expression into a product of its factors.
A method to solve quadratic equations by transforming them into perfect square trinomials.
A formula used to find the roots of a quadratic equation, given by x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a).
The solutions of a quadratic equation where the equation equals zero.
Part of the quadratic formula, given by b² - 4ac, which determines the nature of the roots.
This section discusses methods for solving quadratic equations, focusing on factorization, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula.
In this section, students learn how to solve quadratic equations using three primary methods: factorization, completing the square, and applying the quadratic formula. Each method is explained with step-by-step processes, illustrating how to find the roots of any quadratic equation.
Quadratic equations, which take the standard form of ax² + bx + c = 0 (where a ≠ 0), can be solved using several methods. In this section, we explore:
Factorization Method: This technique involves expressing the quadratic equation as a product of its linear factors. If the quadratic can be rewritten as (px + q)(rx + s) = 0, then the solutions can be easily found.
Completing the Square: This method transforms the quadratic equation into a perfect square trinomial, facilitating the extraction of the roots. The process involves manipulating the equation to isolate the constant term and rewriting the remaining expression in square form.
Quadratic Formula: The quadratic formula, given by x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a), provides a systematic way to find the roots of any quadratic equation. This method applies to all quadratic equations regardless of their ability to be factored or not.
Understanding each method equips students with multiple strategies for solving quadratic equations, essential for further studies in algebra and calculus.