Derivation of Quadratic Formula

x=
b b2 4ac 2

Timeless

Start with an arbitrary quadratic polynomial: ax2 + bx + c = 0 We then divide by a, since a = 0:

b c x2 + ( a )x + ( a )=0

And rewrite it:

4ac x2 + 2( 2ba )x + ( 4 a2 ) = 0

So that we can complete the square:

4ac x2 + 2( 2ba )x + ( 4ba2 ) ( 4ba2 ) + ( 4 a2 ) = 0
2 2

Then factor the square and group the latter two terms: (x + ( 2ba ))2 +
(b2 )+4ac 4a2

=0

Move the second term to the other side: (x + ( 2ba ))2 =

b2 4ac 4a2

Take the square root of each side: x + ( 2ba ) = Move the ( 2ba ) to the other side: x = ( 2ba )
b2 4ac 2a b2 4ac 2a

And nally combine the two (given the common denominator): b b2 4ac 2a

x= Therefore, P = N P .

Just kidding, this shows the quadratic formula.