Math

Grade 9

you'll often learn about quadratic equations, which are equations of the form:

ax^2 + bx + c = 0

where 'x' represents the unknown variable, and 'a', 'b', and 'c' are constants (with 'a' not equal to zero).

The quadratic equation can have two solutions, one solution, or no real solutions depending on the value of the
discriminant (the value inside the square root in the quadratic formula). The discriminant is given by:

Δ = b^2 - 4ac

Here are the possible cases based on the value of the discriminant:

1. If Δ > 0: Two distinct real solutions.

2. If Δ = 0: One real solution (also known as a repeated or double root).
3. If Δ < 0: No real solutions (the solutions are complex or involve imaginary numbers).

To find the solutions for 'x', you can use the quadratic formula:

x = (-b ± √Δ) / 2a

Where ± indicates that you'll have two solutions: one with a plus sign and the other with a minus sign.

To solve a quadratic equation, follow these steps:

Step 1: Write down the quadratic equation in the standard form: ax^2 + bx + c = 0 Step 2: Calculate the discriminant
(Δ) using Δ = b^2 - 4ac Step 3: Determine the number of solutions based on the value of Δ (as mentioned above).
Step 4: If Δ > 0, find the two solutions using the quadratic formula. If Δ = 0, find the one solution. If Δ < 0, note that
there are no real solutions. Step 5: Simplify the solutions, and you're done!

Example: Let's solve the quadratic equation: 2x^2 - 5x + 2 = 0

Step 1: The coefficients are: a = 2, b = -5, and c = 2 Step 2: Calculate the discriminant: Δ = (-5)^2 - 4 * 2 * 2 = 25 - 16
= 9 Step 3: Since Δ > 0, there are two distinct real solutions. Step 4: Use the quadratic formula: x = [5 ± √(9)] / 2 * 2 x
= [5 ± 3] / 4

Step 5: Simplify the solutions: x1 = (5 + 3) / 4 = 8 / 4 = 2 x2 = (5 - 3) / 4 = 2 / 4 = 0.5

The solutions to the equation 2x^2 - 5x + 2 = 0 are x = 2 and x = 0.5.