MPM2D Lesson 5.

Solving Quadratic Equations

Recall:
Solving Linear equations: 2 x  4  3 x  6

What happens if it is not linear (meaning x has an exponent other than _________)? Quadratics is a good
example of this. Let’s take a look:
x 2  4 x  10  0
How do we solve a quadratic?
“to ____________” a quadratic equation means finding the value(s) of the variable that make the

equation _______________. (Recall : LEFT SIDE = RIGHT SIDE)

METHODS FOR SOLVING QUADRATCS: Form it is usually in

1. ______________________________________ ______________________

2. ______________________________________ ______________________

3. ______________________________________ ______________________

Each method has its good and bad qualities! Let’s investigate each one separately

METHOD #1: SOLVING QUADRATICS BY FACTORING

When your quadratic is in the ___________ form, it is easiest to first check if you can solve by

___________________________.

Factoring: ( )( ) = 0 A product only equals 0 if one or both of the factor equals so.
m n  0
Eg.
 Is only true if m = 0 OR n=0

If we move all the equation to one side and set it equal to 0, then we can form mini- ___________
to solve.
HOW TO:
1. Proper Format: All parts of equation are on one side and it is set equal to __________
Example: x  7 x  10
2

2. Factor
Example:

3. Let each factor = _____________ (mini–equations) and solve for x.

Example:
MPM2D Lesson 5.3

Good Quality of Method: ______________________ Bad Quality of Method: _________________

Sometimes, it is already factored, so solving for x is easy!

Example: Solve for x for the following:
a) 0=( x+4)( x−3 ) b) 0=(2x−1)(3 x+1) c) 0=−2x( x−3)

Sometimes it is ___________ factored, so you must ______________ it first prior to solving!

Example: Solve for x in the following:
a) 0  x 2  9 x  14 b) 0  2 x 2  5 x

c) 0=x2 −4 x−7 CAREFUL!

Let’s Practice:
Solve for x by factoring if possible.

a) x 2 +7 x−8=0 b) 2 x 2 +13 x=−15 c) x 2=5 x

2
6 x 2  x  15
e)
2 x 2 + 18=0 g)
3 x( x+2)=2( x −4 )
d)
MPM2D Lesson 5.3

h) A ball is thrown straight down from a cliff that is 180 m high. The following relation models the
approximate height of the ball (h) in meters at (t) seconds after it is thrown.
h=−5 t 2 −5 t+180

How long does it take the ball to reach a ledge 80 cm from the base of the cliff?
MPM2D – Mrs. Ching Lesson 5.2