Alternative Quadratic Formula

An elegant and alternative way of using the Quadratic
Formula c [email protected]
Dr D K R Babajee
[email protected]
GMD Atchia State College, Port Louis, Mauritius
An elegant and alternative way of using the Quadratic Formula c [email protected] p.1/15
The Quadratic Formula
The standard Quadratic Equation is given by

2
ax
+ + =0
bx

2
ax
+ + =0
bx
where a is the coefficient of x2 , b is the coefficient of x

and is the independent (constant) term.

2
ax
+ + =0
bx
where a is the coefficient of x2 , b is the coefficient of x

and is the independent (constant) term.
The quadratic formula is given by

x
p

2
Example 1
Solve the quadratic equation x2
2x
2=0
Example 1
2x
2=0
Solution
Example 1
2x
2=0
Solution
a
= 1;
Example 1
2x
2=0
Solution
a
= 1;
2;
Example 1
2x
2=0
Solution
a
= 1;
2;
Example 1
2x
2=0
Solution
a
= 1;
b
b
2;
p2
b
4a
2a
Example 1
2x
2=0
Solution
a
= 1;
2)
2;
2)2
4(1)(
2)
2(1)
Example 1
2x
2=0
Solution
a
= 1;
2)
2;
2)2
4(1)(
2)
2(1)
12
Example 1
2x
2=0
Solution
a
= 1;
2)
p
2
2+
2;
2)2
4(1)(
2)
2(1)
12
12
or x =
12
Example 1
2x
2=0
Solution
a
= 1;
2)
2;
2)2
2+
= 2:73
2)
12
12
4(1)(
2(1)
or x =
or x =
12
0:73
Example 1
2x
2=0
Solution
a
= 1;
2)
2;
2)2
2+
12
12
= 2:73
2)
2(1)
4(1)(
or x =
or x =
12
0:73
Observe that 2:73 + (
0:73) = 2 =
Example 2
3x + 1 = 0
Example 2
3x + 1 = 0
Solution
Example 2
3x + 1 = 0
Solution
a
= 1;
Example 2
3x + 1 = 0
Solution
a
= 1;
3;
Example 2
3x + 1 = 0
Solution
a
= 1;
3;
=1
Example 2
3x + 1 = 0
Solution
a
= 1;
b
b
3;
p2
b
=1
4a
2a
Example 2
3x + 1 = 0
Solution
a
= 1;
3)
3;
=1
3)2
4(1)(1)
2(1)
Example 2
3x + 1 = 0
Solution
a
= 1;
3)
3;
=1
3)2
4(1)(1)
2(1)
5
Example 2
3x + 1 = 0
Solution
a
= 1;
=
x
3)
2
3+
=1
3)2
4(1)(1)
2(1)
5
3;
or x =
Example 2
3x + 1 = 0
Solution
a
= 1;
3)
2
3+
= 2:62
=1
3)2
4(1)(1)
2(1)
5
3;
or x =
or x = 0:38
Example 2
3x + 1 = 0
Solution
a
= 1;
3)
2
3+
= 2:62
=1
3)2
4(1)(1)
2(1)
5
3;
or x =
or x = 0:38
Observe that 2:62 + 0:38 = 3 =
Alternative way: Example 1

Solve the quadratic equation
2
2x
2=0
::::::::::(1)

2
2x
2=0
::::::::::(1)
2
2
Step 1: Reverse the sign of -2 (coefficient of x in equation (1))

and divide by 2, we get 1

2
2x
2=0
::::::::::(1)
=1

2
2x
=1
2=0
12
::::::::::(1)
Step 2: In the square root, Square the result

and subtract -2 (constant term)

2
2x
x
x
2=0
12
p
=1 3
=1
::::::::::(1)

2
x
x
x
2x
2=0
12
p
=1 3
p
=1
=1+
::::::::::(1)
or x = 1

2
x
x
x
x
2x
2=0
12
p
=1 3
p
=1
=1+
= 2:73
::::::::::(1)
or x = 1
or x =
0:73
Example 2
2
3x + 1 = 0
::::::::::(1)
Example 2
2
3x + 1 = 0
::::::::::(1)
3
2

and divide by 2, we get 1.5
Example 2
2
3x + 1 = 0
::::::::::(1)
= 1:5
Example 2
2
3x + 1 = 0
= 1:5
::::::::::(1)
1:52

and subtract 1 (constant term)
Example 2
2
3x + 1 = 0
x
x
::::::::::(1)
1 52
p
= 1 5 1 25
= 1:5
:
Example 2
2
x
x
x
3x + 1 = 0
1 52
p
= 1 5 1 25
p
= 1:5
:
= 1:5 +
::::::::::(1)
1:25
or x = 1:5
1:25
Example 2
2
3x + 1 = 0
x
x
x
x
1 52
p
= 1 5 1 25
p
= 1:5
= 1:5 +
= 2:62
::::::::::(1)
1:25
or x = 1:5
1:25
or x = 0:38
Example 3
2
2x + 4x
1=0
::::::::::(1)
Example 3
2
2x + 4x
+ 2x
1=0
::::::::::(1)
0:5 = 0
::::::::::(2)
Step 1: Divide equation (1) by 2 to make coefficient of x2 become 1
Example 3
2
2x + 4x
+ 2x
1=0
::::::::::(1)
0:5 = 0
::::::::::(2)
2
2
Step 2: Reverse the sign of +2 (coefficient of x in equation (2))

and divide by 2, we get -1
Example 3
2
2x + 4x
x
x
+ 2x
1=0
::::::::::(1)
0:5 = 0
::::::::::(2)
Example 3
2
2x + 4x
x
x
+ 2x
1=0
::::::::::(1)
0:5 = 0
::::::::::(2)
1)2
0:5

and subtract -0.5 (constant term)
Example 3
2
2x + 4x
+ 2x
1=0
::::::::::(1)
0:5 = 0
::::::::::(2)
( 1)2
p
1 15
1
0:5
Example 3
2
2x + 4x
+ 2x
1=0
0:5 = 0
( 1)2
p
1 15
p
1
::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)
0:5
1+
1:5
or x =
1:5
Example 3
2
2x + 4x
+ 2x
1=0
0:5 = 0
::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)
( 1)2
p
1 15
p
= 0:22
0:5
1+
1:5
or x =
or x =
1:5
2:22
Algebraic Proof
2
ax
+ bx + = 0
::::::::::(1)
Algebraic Proof
2
ax
+ bx + = 0
b
a
=0
::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)
Step 1: Divide equation (1) by a to make coefficient of x2 become 1
Algebraic Proof
2
ax
+ bx + = 0
b
a
=0
::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)
2a
Step 2: Reverse the sign of
b
a
(coefficient of x in equation (2))
and divide by 2, we get
2a
Algebraic Proof
2
ax
+ bx + = 0
b
a
2a
::::::::::(2)
s 2
=0
::::::::::(1)
2a

and subtract (constant term)
a
Algebraic Proof
2
ax
+ bx + = 0
b
a
2a
b
2a
::::::::::(2)
s 2
=0
::::::::::(1)
2a
4a2
Algebraic Proof
2
ax
+ bx + = 0
=
=
b
a
2a
b
2a
b
2a

=0
::::::::::(2)
s 2
::::::::::(1)
r
r
2a
4a2
4a
4a2
Algebraic Proof
2
ax
+ bx + = 0
=
=
=
b
a
2a
b
2a
b
2a
b
2a

=0
::::::::::(2)
s 2
::::::::::(1)
r
r
2a
4a2
p2
p
b
4a
4a2
4a
4a2
Algebraic Proof
2
ax
+ bx + = 0
=
=
=
b
a
2a
b
2a
b
2a
b
2a
b
2a

=0
::::::::::(2)
s 2
::::::::::(1)
r
r
2a
4a2
4a
4a2
p2
p
4
p2
2
4a
2
4a
Algebraic Proof
2
+ bx + = 0
ax
=
=
=
b
a
2a
b
2a
b
2a
b
2a
b
2a

=0
::::::::::(2)
s 2
r
r
2a
4a2
::::::::::(1)
4a
4a2
p2
p
4
p2
2
4a
2
4a
p2
b
2a
4a
Sum of roots
Sum of roots
x1
2a
p2
4a
2a
x2
2a
p2
4a
2a
Sum of roots
x1
x1
+ x2 =
2a
p2
4a
2a
x2
2a
p2
4a
2a
2b
2a
Sum of roots
x1
x1
+ x2 =
2a
p2
4a
2a
x2
2a
p2
4a
2a
b
a
Sum of roots
x1
x1
+ x2 =
2a
p2
4a
2a
x2
p2
4a
2a
2a
b
a
If we know one root x1 , the other root x2
b
a
x1
Example 4
2
+ 4x
6=0
::::::::::(1)
Example 4
2
+ 4x
6=0
::::::::::(1)
4
2
Step 1: Reverse the sign of +4 (coefficient of x in equation (1))

and divide by 2, we get -2
Example 4
2
+ 4x
6=0
::::::::::(1)
Example 4
2
+ 4x
6=0
::::::::::(1)
2)2

and subtract -6 (constant term)
Example 4
2
+ 4x
6=0
::::::::::(1)
( 2)2
p
2 10
2
Example 4
2
+ 4x
6=0
::::::::::(1)
( 2)2
p
2 10
p
2
2+
10
Example 4
2
+ 4x
6=0
::::::::::(1)
( 2)2
p
2 10
p
= 1:16
2+
10
or x =
Example 4
2
+ 4x
6=0
::::::::::(1)
( 2)2
p
2 10
p
= 1:16
2+
10
or x =
1:16
Reverse the sign of +4 and subtract the first solution
Example 4
2
+ 4x
6=0
::::::::::(1)
( 2)2
p
2 10
p
= 1:16
2+
10
or x =
5:16
Example 5
2
7x + 11 = 0
::::::::::(1)
Example 5
2
7x + 11 = 0
::::::::::(1)
7
2

and divide by 2, we get 3.5
Example 5
2
7x + 11 = 0
::::::::::(1)
= 3:5
Example 5
2
7x + 11 = 0
= 3:5
::::::::::(1)
(3:5)2
11

and subtract 11 (constant term)
Example 5
2
x
x
7x + 11 = 0
::::::::::(1)
(3 5)2
p
= 3 5 1 25
= 3:5
:
11
Example 5
2
x
x
x
7x + 11 = 0
::::::::::(1)
(3 5)2
p
= 3 5 1 25
p
= 3:5
:
= 3:5 +
11
1:25
Example 5
2
x
x
x
x
7x + 11 = 0
::::::::::(1)
(3 5)2
p
= 3 5 1 25
p
= 3:5
:
11
= 3:5 +
= 4:62
1:25
or x =
Example 5
2
x
x
x
x
7x + 11 = 0
::::::::::(1)
(3 5)2
p
= 3 5 1 25
p
= 3:5
:
11
= 3:5 +
= 4:62
1:25
or x = 7
4:62
Reverse the sign of -7 and subtract the first solution
Example 5
2
x
x
x
x
7x + 11 = 0
::::::::::(1)
(3 5)2
p
= 3 5 1 25
p
= 3:5
:
11
= 3:5 +
= 4:62
1:25
or x = 2:38
Example 6
2
3x
6x + 2 = 0
::::::::::(1)
Example 6
2
3x
6x + 2 = 0
2x +
2
3
=0
::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)
Example 6
2
3x
6x + 2 = 0
2x +
2
3
=0
::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)
2
2

and divide by 2, we get 1
Example 6
2
3x
x
x
6x + 2 = 0
2x +
2
3
=0
::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)
=1
Example 6
2
3x
6x + 2 = 0
2x +
=1
r3
=0
(1)2
::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)
2
3

and subtract
2
3
(constant term)
Example 6
2
3x
6x + 2 = 0
2x +
=1
=1
r3
r
=0
(1)2
::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)
2
3
1
3
Example 6
2
3x
6x + 2 = 0
2x +
=1
=1
=1+
r3
r
r
=0
(1)2
::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)
2
3
1
3
1
3
Example 6
2
3x
6x + 2 = 0
2x +
=1
=1
r3
r
r
=1+
= 1:58
=0
(1)2
::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)
2
3
1
3
1
3
or x =
Example 6
2
3x
6x + 2 = 0
2x +
=1
=1
r3
r
r
=1+
= 1:58
=0
::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)
(1)2
2
3
1
3
1
3
or x = 2
1:58
Reverse the sign of -2 and subtract the first solution
Example 6
2
3x
6x + 2 = 0
2x +
=1
=1
r3
r
r
=1+
= 1:58
=0
(1)2
::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)
2
3
1
3
1
3
or x = 0:42
Example 7
2
4x + 9x + 3 = 0
::::::::::(1)
Example 7
2
4x + 9x + 3 = 0
9
4
3
4
=0
::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)
Example 7
2
4x + 9x + 3 = 0
9
4
3
4
=0
::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)
9
4(2)
Step 2: Reverse the sign of
9
4
(coefficient of x in equation (2))
and divide by 2, we get
9
8
Example 7
2
4x + 9x + 3 = 0
4
9
3
4
=0
::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)
Example 7
2
4x + 9x + 3 = 0
9
4
9
8
=0
4
s

::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)

2
9

and subtract
3
4
(constant term)
Example 7
2
4x + 9x + 3 = 0
9
4
9
8

8
=0
4
s

::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)

2
9
33
64
Example 7
2
4x + 9x + 3 = 0
=
=
9
4
9
8

8
9
8
=0
4
s

::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)

2
9
33
r 64
33
64
Example 7
2
4x + 9x + 3 = 0
9
4
9
8

8
9
8
0:41
=0
4
s

::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)

2
9
33
r 64
33
64
or x =
Example 7
2
4x + 9x + 3 = 0
9
4
9
8

8
9
9
8
4
s

Reverse the sign of
::::::::::(2)

2
9
33
r 64
33
0:41
=0
::::::::::(1)
64
or x =
9
4
9
4
0:41)
and subtract the first solution
Example 7
2
4x + 9x + 3 = 0
9
4
9
8

8
9
8
0:41
=0
4
s

::::::::::(1)
::::::::::(2)

2
9
33
r 64
33
64
or x =
1:84
Summary
Step 1: Make the coefficient of x2 become 1 if necessary.
Summary
Step 2: Reverse the sign of the coefficient of x in the new
equation and divide by 2.
Summary
Step 3: In the square root, Square the result and subtract the
constant term.
Summary
constant term.
Step 4: Obtain the first solution using the calculator.
Summary
constant term.
Step 4: Obtain the first solution using the calculator.

equation and subtract the first solution to obtain the second
solution.
Advantages
No need to use quadratic formula.
Advantages

Second Solution can be obtained once first solution is
computed.
Advantages

Second Solution can be obtained once first solution is
computed.
Quick and Efficient Method.

Alternative Quadratic Formula

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An elegant and alternative way of using the Quadratic

GMD Atchia State College, Port Louis, Mauritius

The Quadratic Formula

The standard Quadratic Equation is given by

The Quadratic Formula

The standard Quadratic Equation is given by

where a is the coefficient of x2 , b is the coefficient of x

The Quadratic Formula

The standard Quadratic Equation is given by

where a is the coefficient of x2 , b is the coefficient of x

The quadratic formula is given by

Observe that 2:73 + (

Observe that 2:62 + 0:38 = 3 =

Alternative way: Example 1

Alternative way: Example 1

Step 1: Reverse the sign of -2 (coefficient of x in equation (1))

Alternative way: Example 1

Alternative way: Example 1

Step 2: In the square root, Square the result

Alternative way: Example 1

Alternative way: Example 1

Alternative way: Example 1

Step 1: Reverse the sign of -3 (coefficient of x in equation (1))

Step 2: In the square root, Square the result

Step 1: Divide equation (1) by 2 to make coefficient of x2 become 1

Step 2: Reverse the sign of +2 (coefficient of x in equation (2))

Step 3: In the square root, Square the result

Step 1: Divide equation (1) by a to make coefficient of x2 become 1

Step 2: Reverse the sign of

(coefficient of x in equation (2))

and divide by 2, we get

Step 3: In the square root, Square the result

If we know one root x1 , the other root x2

Step 1: Reverse the sign of +4 (coefficient of x in equation (1))

Step 2: In the square root, Square the result

Reverse the sign of +4 and subtract the first solution

Step 1: Reverse the sign of -7 (coefficient of x in equation (1))

Step 2: In the square root, Square the result

Reverse the sign of -7 and subtract the first solution

Step 1: Divide equation (1) by 3 to make coefficient of x2 become 1

Step 2: Reverse the sign of -2 (coefficient of x in equation (2))

Step 3: In the square root, Square the result

Reverse the sign of -2 and subtract the first solution

Step 1: Divide equation (1) by 4 to make coefficient of x2 become 1

Step 2: Reverse the sign of

(coefficient of x in equation (2))

and divide by 2, we get

Step 3: In the square root, Square the result

Reverse the sign of

and subtract the first solution

Step 4: Obtain the first solution using the calculator.

Step 4: Obtain the first solution using the calculator.

No need to use quadratic formula.

No need to use quadratic formula.

No need to use quadratic formula.

Quick and Efficient Method.

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