Quandaries and Queries
  

 

Name: Kathleen

Who is asking: Other
Level: Secondary

Question:
hi im having a problem trying to understand quadratic formulas can u please help me

i have problems like

3x2 - 4x - 11 = 0 how do i work out that problem? i have the formula written down but it doesnt seem to register for me.
 

 

Hi Kathleen,

The quadratic formula states that

if

ax2 + bx + c = 0

then

Look at your equation 3x2 - 4x - 11 = 0 and compare it to the general equation above, ax2 + bx + c = 0

In your equation the coefficient of x2 is 3, in the gereral equation it is a.

In your equation the coefficient of x is -4, in the gereral equation it is b.

In your equation the constant term is -11, in the gereral equation it is c.

Thus in the expression for x put a = 3, b = -4 and c = -11. That is

This will simplify further.

Penny 		 
 

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