1. The Quadratic Formula Students will be able to solve quadratic equations by using the quadratic formula.

2. FHSQuadratic Function2 Solving Quadratic Equations You have learned several methods for solving quadratic equations: graphing, factoring, using square roots, and completing the square. Another method is to use the Quadratic Formula, which allows you to solve a quadratic equation in standard form. Make sure that the equation is in standard form before you use the quadratic formula.

3. FHSQuadratic Function3 The Quadratic Formula If ax 2 + bx + c = 0 and a ≠ 0, then the solutions of the equation are: You can use the Quadratic Formula to solve any quadratic equation that is written in standard form.

4. FHSQuadratic Function4 The Discriminant The discriminant is part of the Quadratic Formula that is under the radical sign. If the discriminant is equal to zero, then there is only one real solution for the quadratic equation. If it is positive, there are two real solutions. If it is negative, there are two complex solutions. Discriminant

5. FHSQuadratic Function5 Example: Use the quadratic formula to solve the following equation: First change equation to standard form: where a = 2, b = –1, c = – 3 Then use the quadratic formula: