Solving Quadratic Equations Section 5.6 Solving Quadratic Equations
ax2 + bx + c = 0 A Quadratic Equation… has the form: ax2 + bx + c = 0 If necessary, we will need to rearrange into this form before we solve!
The zero-factor property: If (a)(b) = 0, what can we infer about either a or b? Either a = 0 or b = 0 SO… if (x + 2)(x – 3) = 0, we can say x + 2 = 0 or x – 3 = 0 Therefore, x = -2 or x = 3
To solve a quadratic equation: 1. Write in standard form ax2 + bx + c = 0 2. Factor the non-zero side. 3. Set each factor equal to zero. 4. Solve each equation. 5. Check your answers in the original equation.