Solving the Quadratic Equation

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 51 views

Introduction

In this article, we will be solving a quadratic equation and filling in a table with corresponding y-values for each x-value given. Quadratic equations are a type of polynomial equation that can be written in the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants. These equations can be solved using various methods, including factoring, the quadratic formula, and graphing.

Solving the Quadratic Equation

The given quadratic equation is 6x^2 - 3x = 0. To solve for x, we can start by factoring out the greatest common factor (GCF) of the two terms. In this case, the GCF is 3x.

6x^2 - 3x = 3x(2x - 1) = 0

Now, we can set each factor equal to zero and solve for x.

3x = 0 \Rightarrow x = 0
2x - 1 = 0 \Rightarrow 2x = 1 \Rightarrow x = \frac{1}{2}

Therefore, the solutions to the quadratic equation are x = 0 and x = 1/2.

Filling in the Table

Now that we have the solutions to the quadratic equation, we can fill in the table with the corresponding y-values for each x-value given.

x	y
0	0
1/2	?

To find the y-value for x = 1/2, we can substitute x = 1/2 into the original equation.

6(1/2)^2 - 3(1/2) = 6(1/4) - 3/2 = 3/2 - 3/2 = 0

Therefore, the y-value for x = 1/2 is 0.

x	y
0	0
1/2	0

Conclusion

In this article, we solved a quadratic equation and filled in a table with corresponding y-values for each x-value given. We used factoring to solve the quadratic equation and found that the solutions were x = 0 and x = 1/2. We then substituted x = 1/2 into the original equation to find the corresponding y-value, which was 0.

Quadratic Equations and Their Applications

Quadratic equations have many real-world applications, including physics, engineering, and economics. They can be used to model the motion of objects, the growth of populations, and the behavior of financial markets.

Example 1: Projectile Motion

Quadratic equations can be used to model the motion of projectiles, such as balls or rockets. For example, the trajectory of a ball thrown at an angle can be modeled using a quadratic equation.

y = x^2 + bx + c

where y is the height of the ball, x is the horizontal distance from the point of release, and b and c are constants that depend on the initial velocity and angle of the ball.

Example 2: Population Growth

Quadratic equations can be used to model the growth of populations, such as the growth of a bacteria culture or the growth of a city. For example, the population of a city can be modeled using a quadratic equation.

P = ax^2 + bx + c

where P is the population, x is the time, and a, b, and c are constants that depend on the growth rate and initial population.

Example 3: Financial Markets

Quadratic equations can be used to model the behavior of financial markets, such as the movement of stock prices or the behavior of interest rates. For example, the movement of a stock price can be modeled using a quadratic equation.

S = ax^2 + bx + c

where S is the stock price, x is the time, and a, b, and c are constants that depend on the market conditions and initial price.

Conclusion

In conclusion, quadratic equations have many real-world applications, including physics, engineering, and economics. They can be used to model the motion of objects, the growth of populations, and the behavior of financial markets. By understanding and solving quadratic equations, we can gain insights into the behavior of complex systems and make more informed decisions.

Solving Quadratic Equations: A Step-by-Step Guide

Solving quadratic equations can be a challenging task, but with a step-by-step approach, it can be made easier. Here is a step-by-step guide to solving quadratic equations:

Write the equation in standard form: The first step is to write the quadratic equation in standard form, which is ax^2 + bx + c = 0.
Factor the equation: If the equation can be factored, do so. This will make it easier to solve.
Use the quadratic formula: If the equation cannot be factored, use the quadratic formula to solve for x.
Simplify the solutions: Once you have found the solutions, simplify them by combining like terms.
Check the solutions: Finally, check the solutions to make sure they are correct.

Common Quadratic Equations

Here are some common quadratic equations that can be solved using the quadratic formula:

x^2 + 4x + 4 = 0
x^2 - 6x + 8 = 0
x^2 + 2x - 3 = 0

Quadratic Formula

The quadratic formula is a formula that can be used to solve quadratic equations. It is given by:

x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}

where a, b, and c are the coefficients of the quadratic equation.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a quadratic equation? A: A quadratic equation is a type of polynomial equation that can be written in the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants.

Q: How do I solve a quadratic equation? A: There are several methods to solve a quadratic equation, including factoring, the quadratic formula, and graphing. The method you choose will depend on the specific equation and your personal preference.

Q: What is the quadratic formula? A: The quadratic formula is a formula that can be used to solve quadratic equations. It is given by:

x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}

where a, b, and c are the coefficients of the quadratic equation.

Q: How do I use the quadratic formula? A: To use the quadratic formula, you need to plug in the values of a, b, and c into the formula. You will then get two solutions for x, which you can simplify and check to make sure they are correct.

Q: What is the difference between a quadratic equation and a linear equation? A: A quadratic equation is a type of polynomial equation that can be written in the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0, while a linear equation is a type of polynomial equation that can be written in the form ax + b = 0.

Q: Can I use the quadratic formula to solve a linear equation? A: No, the quadratic formula is only used to solve quadratic equations, not linear equations.

Q: Can I use the quadratic formula to solve a cubic equation? A: No, the quadratic formula is only used to solve quadratic equations, not cubic equations.

Q: What is the significance of the discriminant in the quadratic formula? A: The discriminant is the expression under the square root in the quadratic formula, which is b^2 - 4ac. If the discriminant is positive, the equation has two distinct real solutions. If the discriminant is zero, the equation has one real solution. If the discriminant is negative, the equation has no real solutions.

Q: Can I use the quadratic formula to solve a quadratic equation with complex solutions? A: Yes, the quadratic formula can be used to solve quadratic equations with complex solutions. However, you will need to use the complex conjugate of the solutions to simplify them.

Q: Can I use the quadratic formula to solve a quadratic equation with rational solutions? A: Yes, the quadratic formula can be used to solve quadratic equations with rational solutions. However, you will need to simplify the solutions to get the rational solutions.

Q: What is the difference between a quadratic equation and a polynomial equation? A: A quadratic equation is a type of polynomial equation that can be written in the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0, while a polynomial equation is a type of equation that can be written in the form a_n x^n + a_(n-1) x^(n-1) + ... + a_1 x + a_0 = 0, where n is a positive integer.

Q: Can I use the quadratic formula to solve a polynomial equation of degree n? A: No, the quadratic formula is only used to solve quadratic equations, not polynomial equations of degree n.

Conclusion

In conclusion, quadratic equations are a type of polynomial equation that can be solved using various methods, including factoring, the quadratic formula, and graphing. The quadratic formula is a formula that can be used to solve quadratic equations, and it is given by:

x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}

where a, b, and c are the coefficients of the quadratic equation. By understanding and using the quadratic formula, you can solve quadratic equations and gain insights into the behavior of complex systems.