”, that is, equations of the first degree. In this lesson, we will explore what is a quadratic equation and how to solve it.

What is a quadratic equation

Important!

The degree of an equation is determined by the highest degree to which the unknown stands.

If the maximum degree to which the unknown stands is “2”, then you have a quadratic equation.

Examples of quadratic equations

• 5x2 - 14x + 17 = 0
• −x 2 + x +

  1

  3

  = 0
• x2 + 0.25x = 0
• x 2 − 8 = 0

Important! The general form of the quadratic equation looks like this:

A x 2 + b x + c = 0

"a", "b" and "c" - given numbers.

• "a" - the first or senior coefficient;
• "b" - the second coefficient;
• "c" is a free member.

To find "a", "b" and "c" You need to compare your equation with the general form of the quadratic equation "ax 2 + bx + c \u003d 0".

Let's practice determining the coefficients "a", "b" and "c" in quadratic equations.

5x2 - 14x + 17 = 0 −7x 2 − 13x + 8 = 0 −x 2 + x +

The equation	Odds
a=5 b = −14 c = 17
a = −7 b = −13 c = 8

1

3

= 0

• a = -1
• b = 1
• c =

  1

  3

x2 + 0.25x = 0

• a = 1
• b = 0.25
• c = 0

x 2 − 8 = 0

• a = 1
• b = 0
• c = −8

How to solve quadratic equations

Unlike linear equations for solving quadratic equations special formula for finding roots.

Remember!

To solve a quadratic equation you need:

• bring the quadratic equation to the general form "ax 2 + bx + c \u003d 0". That is, only "0" should remain on the right side;
• use the formula for roots:

Let's use an example to figure out how to apply the formula to find the roots of a quadratic equation. Let's solve the quadratic equation.

X 2 - 3x - 4 = 0

The equation "x 2 - 3x - 4 = 0" has already been reduced to the general form "ax 2 + bx + c = 0" and does not require additional simplifications. To solve it, we need only apply formula for finding the roots of a quadratic equation.

Let's define the coefficients "a", "b" and "c" for this equation.

x 1;2 =
x 1;2 =
x 1;2 =
x 1;2 =

With its help, any quadratic equation is solved.

In the formula "x 1; 2 \u003d" the root expression is often replaced
"b 2 − 4ac" to the letter "D" and called discriminant. The concept of a discriminant is discussed in more detail in the lesson "What is a discriminant".

Consider another example of a quadratic equation.

x 2 + 9 + x = 7x

In this form, it is rather difficult to determine the coefficients "a", "b", and "c". Let's first bring the equation to the general form "ax 2 + bx + c \u003d 0".

X 2 + 9 + x = 7x
x 2 + 9 + x − 7x = 0
x2 + 9 - 6x = 0
x 2 − 6x + 9 = 0

Now you can use the formula for the roots.

X 1;2 =
x 1;2 =
x 1;2 =
x 1;2 =
x=

6

2

x=3
Answer: x = 3

There are times when there are no roots in quadratic equations. This situation occurs when a negative number appears in the formula under the root.

We continue to study the topic solution of equations". We have already got acquainted with linear equations and now we are going to get acquainted with quadratic equations.

First, we will analyze what a quadratic equation is, how it is written in general view, and give related definitions. After that, using examples, we will analyze in detail how incomplete quadratic equations are solved. Next, let's move on to solving complete equations, get the formula for the roots, get acquainted with the discriminant of a quadratic equation, and consider solutions to typical examples. Finally, we trace the connections between roots and coefficients.

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What is a quadratic equation? Their types

First you need to clearly understand what a quadratic equation is. Therefore, it is logical to start talking about quadratic equations with the definition of a quadratic equation, as well as definitions related to it. After that, you can consider the main types of quadratic equations: reduced and non-reduced, as well as complete and incomplete equations.

Definition and examples of quadratic equations

Definition.

Quadratic equation is an equation of the form a x 2 +b x+c=0, where x is a variable, a , b and c are some numbers, and a is different from zero.

Let's say right away that quadratic equations are often called equations of the second degree. This is because the quadratic equation is algebraic equation second degree.

The sounded definition allows us to give examples of quadratic equations. So 2 x 2 +6 x+1=0, 0.2 x 2 +2.5 x+0.03=0, etc. are quadratic equations.

Definition.

Numbers a , b and c are called coefficients of the quadratic equation a x 2 + b x + c \u003d 0, and the coefficient a is called the first, or senior, or coefficient at x 2, b is the second coefficient, or coefficient at x, and c is a free member.

For example, let's take a quadratic equation of the form 5 x 2 −2 x−3=0, here the leading coefficient is 5, the second coefficient is −2, and the free term is −3. Note that when the coefficients b and/or c are negative, as in the example just given, then short form writing a quadratic equation of the form 5 x 2 −2 x−3=0 , and not 5 x 2 +(−2) x+(−3)=0 .

It is worth noting that when the coefficients a and / or b are equal to 1 or −1, then they are usually not explicitly present in the notation of the quadratic equation, which is due to the peculiarities of the notation of such . For example, in the quadratic equation y 2 −y+3=0, the leading coefficient is one, and the coefficient at y is −1.

Reduced and non-reduced quadratic equations

Depending on the value of the leading coefficient, reduced and non-reduced quadratic equations are distinguished. Let us give the corresponding definitions.

Definition.

A quadratic equation in which the leading coefficient is 1 is called reduced quadratic equation. Otherwise, the quadratic equation is unreduced.

According to this definition, the quadratic equations x 2 −3 x+1=0 , x 2 −x−2/3=0, etc. - reduced, in each of them the first coefficient equal to one. And 5 x 2 −x−1=0 , etc. - unreduced quadratic equations, their leading coefficients are different from 1 .

From any non-reduced quadratic equation, by dividing both of its parts by the leading coefficient, you can go to the reduced one. This action is an equivalent transformation, that is, the reduced quadratic equation obtained in this way has the same roots as the original non-reduced quadratic equation, or, like it, has no roots.

Let's take an example of how the transition from an unreduced quadratic equation to a reduced one is performed.

Example.

From the equation 3 x 2 +12 x−7=0, go to the corresponding reduced quadratic equation.

Decision.

It is enough for us to perform the division of both parts of the original equation by the leading coefficient 3, it is non-zero, so we can perform this action. We have (3 x 2 +12 x−7):3=0:3 , which is the same as (3 x 2):3+(12 x):3−7:3=0 , and so on (3:3) x 2 +(12:3) x−7:3=0 , whence . So we got the reduced quadratic equation, which is equivalent to the original one.

Answer:

Complete and incomplete quadratic equations

There is a condition a≠0 in the definition of a quadratic equation. This condition is necessary in order for the equation a x 2 +b x+c=0 to be exactly square, since with a=0 it actually becomes a linear equation of the form b x+c=0 .

As for the coefficients b and c, they can be equal to zero, both separately and together. In these cases, the quadratic equation is called incomplete.

Definition.

The quadratic equation a x 2 +b x+c=0 is called incomplete, if at least one of the coefficients b , c is equal to zero.

In its turn

Definition.

Complete quadratic equation is an equation in which all coefficients are different from zero.

These names are not given by chance. This will become clear from the following discussion.

If the coefficient b is equal to zero, then the quadratic equation takes the form a x 2 +0 x+c=0 , and it is equivalent to the equation a x 2 +c=0 . If c=0 , that is, the quadratic equation has the form a x 2 +b x+0=0 , then it can be rewritten as a x 2 +b x=0 . And with b=0 and c=0 we get the quadratic equation a·x 2 =0. The resulting equations differ from the full quadratic equation in that their left-hand sides do not contain either a term with the variable x, or a free term, or both. Hence their name - incomplete quadratic equations.

So the equations x 2 +x+1=0 and −2 x 2 −5 x+0,2=0 are examples of complete quadratic equations, and x 2 =0, −2 x 2 =0, 5 x 2 +3=0 , −x 2 −5 x=0 are incomplete quadratic equations.

Solving incomplete quadratic equations

It follows from the information of the previous paragraph that there is three kinds of incomplete quadratic equations:

• a x 2 =0 , the coefficients b=0 and c=0 correspond to it;
• a x 2 +c=0 when b=0 ;
• and a x 2 +b x=0 when c=0 .

Let us analyze in order how the incomplete quadratic equations of each of these types are solved.

a x 2 \u003d 0

Let's start by solving incomplete quadratic equations in which the coefficients b and c are equal to zero, that is, with equations of the form a x 2 =0. The equation a·x 2 =0 is equivalent to the equation x 2 =0, which is obtained from the original by dividing its both parts by a non-zero number a. Obviously, the root of the equation x 2 \u003d 0 is zero, since 0 2 \u003d 0. This equation has no other roots, which is explained, indeed, for any non-zero number p, the inequality p 2 >0 takes place, which implies that for p≠0, the equality p 2 =0 is never achieved.

So, the incomplete quadratic equation a x 2 \u003d 0 has a single root x \u003d 0.

As an example, we give the solution of an incomplete quadratic equation −4·x 2 =0. It is equivalent to the equation x 2 \u003d 0, its only root is x \u003d 0, therefore, the original equation also has a single root zero.

A short solution in this case can be issued as follows:
−4 x 2 \u003d 0,
x 2 \u003d 0,
x=0 .

a x 2 +c=0

Now consider how incomplete quadratic equations are solved, in which the coefficient b is equal to zero, and c≠0, that is, equations of the form a x 2 +c=0. We know that the transfer of a term from one side of the equation to the other with the opposite sign, as well as the division of both sides of the equation by a non-zero number, give an equivalent equation. Therefore, the following equivalent transformations of the incomplete quadratic equation a x 2 +c=0 can be carried out:

• move c to the right side, which gives the equation a x 2 =−c,
• and divide both its parts by a , we get .

The resulting equation allows us to draw conclusions about its roots. Depending on the values ​​of a and c, the value of the expression can be negative (for example, if a=1 and c=2 , then ) or positive, (for example, if a=−2 and c=6 , then ), it is not equal to zero , because by condition c≠0 . We will separately analyze the cases and .

If , then the equation has no roots. This statement follows from the fact that the square of any number is a non-negative number. It follows from this that when , then for any number p the equality cannot be true.

If , then the situation with the roots of the equation is different. In this case, if we recall about, then the root of the equation immediately becomes obvious, it is the number, since. It is easy to guess that the number is also the root of the equation , indeed, . This equation has no other roots, which can be shown, for example, by contradiction. Let's do it.

Let's denote the just voiced roots of the equation as x 1 and −x 1 . Suppose that the equation has another root x 2 different from the indicated roots x 1 and −x 1 . It is known that substitution into the equation instead of x of its roots turns the equation into a true numerical equality. For x 1 and −x 1 we have , and for x 2 we have . The properties of numerical equalities allow us to perform term-by-term subtraction of true numerical equalities, so subtracting the corresponding parts of the equalities gives x 1 2 − x 2 2 =0. The properties of operations with numbers allow us to rewrite the resulting equality as (x 1 − x 2)·(x 1 + x 2)=0 . We know that the product of two numbers is equal to zero if and only if at least one of them is equal to zero. Therefore, it follows from the obtained equality that x 1 −x 2 =0 and/or x 1 +x 2 =0 , which is the same, x 2 =x 1 and/or x 2 = −x 1 . So we have come to a contradiction, since at the beginning we said that the root of the equation x 2 is different from x 1 and −x 1 . This proves that the equation has no other roots than and .

Let's summarize the information in this paragraph. The incomplete quadratic equation a x 2 +c=0 is equivalent to the equation , which

• has no roots if ,
• has two roots and if .

Consider examples of solving incomplete quadratic equations of the form a·x 2 +c=0 .

Let's start with the quadratic equation 9 x 2 +7=0 . After transferring the free term to the right side of the equation, it will take the form 9·x 2 =−7. Dividing both sides of the resulting equation by 9 , we arrive at . Since a negative number is obtained on the right side, this equation has no roots, therefore, the original incomplete quadratic equation 9 x 2 +7=0 has no roots.

Let's solve one more incomplete quadratic equation −x 2 +9=0. We transfer the nine to the right side: -x 2 \u003d -9. Now we divide both parts by −1, we get x 2 =9. The right side contains a positive number, from which we conclude that or . After we write down the final answer: the incomplete quadratic equation −x 2 +9=0 has two roots x=3 or x=−3.

a x 2 +b x=0

It remains to deal with the solution of the last type of incomplete quadratic equations for c=0 . Incomplete quadratic equations of the form a x 2 +b x=0 allows you to solve factorization method. Obviously, we can, located on the left side of the equation, for which it is enough to take the common factor x out of brackets. This allows us to move from the original incomplete quadratic equation to an equivalent equation of the form x·(a·x+b)=0 . And this equation is equivalent to the set of two equations x=0 and a x+b=0 , the last of which is linear and has a root x=−b/a .

So, the incomplete quadratic equation a x 2 +b x=0 has two roots x=0 and x=−b/a.

To consolidate the material, we will analyze the solution of a specific example.

Example.

Solve the equation.

Decision.

We take x out of brackets, this gives the equation. It is equivalent to two equations x=0 and . We solve the resulting linear equation: , and dividing the mixed number by common fraction, we find . Therefore, the roots of the original equation are x=0 and .

After getting the necessary practice, the solutions of such equations can be written briefly:

Answer:

x=0 , .

Discriminant, formula of the roots of a quadratic equation

To solve quadratic equations, there is a root formula. Let's write down the formula of the roots of the quadratic equation: , where D=b 2 −4 a c- so-called discriminant of a quadratic equation. The notation essentially means that .

It is useful to know how the root formula was obtained, and how it is applied in finding the roots of quadratic equations. Let's deal with this.

Derivation of the formula of the roots of a quadratic equation

Let us need to solve the quadratic equation a·x 2 +b·x+c=0 . Let's perform some equivalent transformations:

• We can divide both parts of this equation by a non-zero number a, as a result we get the reduced quadratic equation.
• Now select a full square on its left side: . After that, the equation will take the form .
• At this stage, it is possible to carry out the transfer of the last two terms to the right side with the opposite sign, we have .
• And let's also transform the expression on the right side: .

As a result, we arrive at the equation , which is equivalent to the original quadratic equation a·x 2 +b·x+c=0 .

We have already solved equations similar in form in the previous paragraphs when we analyzed . This allows us to draw the following conclusions regarding the roots of the equation:

• if , then the equation has no real solutions;
• if , then the equation has the form , therefore, , from which its only root is visible;
• if , then or , which is the same as or , that is, the equation has two roots.

Thus, the presence or absence of the roots of the equation, and hence the original quadratic equation, depends on the sign of the expression on the right side. In turn, the sign of this expression is determined by the sign of the numerator, since the denominator 4 a 2 is always positive, that is, the sign of the expression b 2 −4 a c . This expression b 2 −4 a c is called discriminant of a quadratic equation and marked with the letter D. From here, the essence of the discriminant is clear - by its value and sign, it is concluded whether the quadratic equation has real roots, and if so, what is their number - one or two.

We return to the equation , rewrite it using the notation of the discriminant: . And we conclude:

• if D<0 , то это уравнение не имеет действительных корней;
• if D=0, then this equation has a single root;
• finally, if D>0, then the equation has two roots or , which can be rewritten in the form or , and after expanding and reducing the fractions to a common denominator, we get .

So we derived the formulas for the roots of the quadratic equation, they look like , where the discriminant D is calculated by the formula D=b 2 −4 a c .

With their help, with a positive discriminant, you can calculate both real roots of a quadratic equation. When the discriminant is equal to zero, both formulas give the same root value corresponding to the only solution of the quadratic equation. And with a negative discriminant, when trying to use the formula for the roots of a quadratic equation, we are faced with extracting the square root from a negative number, which takes us beyond the scope of the school curriculum. With a negative discriminant, the quadratic equation has no real roots, but has a pair complex conjugate roots, which can be found using the same root formulas we obtained.

Algorithm for solving quadratic equations using root formulas

In practice, when solving a quadratic equation, you can immediately use the root formula, with which to calculate their values. But this is more about finding complex roots.

However, in a school algebra course, it is usually we are talking not about complex, but about real roots of a quadratic equation. In this case, it is advisable to first find the discriminant before using the formulas for the roots of the quadratic equation, make sure that it is non-negative (otherwise, we can conclude that the equation has no real roots), and after that calculate the values ​​of the roots.

The above reasoning allows us to write algorithm for solving a quadratic equation. To solve the quadratic equation a x 2 + b x + c \u003d 0, you need:

• using the discriminant formula D=b 2 −4 a c calculate its value;
• conclude that the quadratic equation has no real roots if the discriminant is negative;
• calculate the only root of the equation using the formula if D=0 ;
• find two real roots of a quadratic equation using the root formula if the discriminant is positive.

Here we only note that if the discriminant is equal to zero, the formula can also be used, it will give the same value as .

You can move on to examples of applying the algorithm for solving quadratic equations.

Examples of solving quadratic equations

Consider solutions of three quadratic equations with positive, negative and zero discriminant. Having dealt with their solution, by analogy it will be possible to solve any other quadratic equation. Let's start.

Example.

Find the roots of the equation x 2 +2 x−6=0 .

Decision.

In this case, we have the following coefficients of the quadratic equation: a=1 , b=2 and c=−6 . According to the algorithm, you first need to calculate the discriminant, for this we substitute the indicated a, b and c into the discriminant formula, we have D=b 2 −4 a c=2 2 −4 1 (−6)=4+24=28. Since 28>0, that is, the discriminant is greater than zero, the quadratic equation has two real roots. Let's find them by the formula of roots , we get , here we can simplify the expressions obtained by doing factoring out the sign of the root followed by fraction reduction:

Answer:

Let's move on to the next typical example.

Example.

Solve the quadratic equation −4 x 2 +28 x−49=0 .

Decision.

We start by finding the discriminant: D=28 2 −4 (−4) (−49)=784−784=0. Therefore, this quadratic equation has a single root, which we find as , that is,

Answer:

x=3.5 .

It remains to consider the solution of quadratic equations with negative discriminant.

Example.

Solve the equation 5 y 2 +6 y+2=0 .

Decision.

Here are the coefficients of the quadratic equation: a=5 , b=6 and c=2 . Substituting these values ​​into the discriminant formula, we have D=b 2 −4 a c=6 2 −4 5 2=36−40=−4. The discriminant is negative, therefore, this quadratic equation has no real roots.

If you need to specify complex roots, then we use the well-known formula for the roots of the quadratic equation, and perform operations with complex numbers:

Answer:

there are no real roots, the complex roots are: .

Once again, we note that if the discriminant of the quadratic equation is negative, then the school usually immediately writes down the answer, in which they indicate that there are no real roots, and they do not find complex roots.

Root formula for even second coefficients

The formula for the roots of a quadratic equation , where D=b 2 −4 a c allows you to get a more compact formula that allows you to solve quadratic equations with an even coefficient at x (or simply with a coefficient that looks like 2 n, for example, or 14 ln5=2 7 ln5 ). Let's take her out.

Let's say we need to solve a quadratic equation of the form a x 2 +2 n x + c=0 . Let's find its roots using the formula known to us. To do this, we calculate the discriminant D=(2 n) 2 −4 a c=4 n 2 −4 a c=4 (n 2 −a c), and then we use the root formula:

Denote the expression n 2 −a c as D 1 (sometimes it is denoted D "). Then the formula for the roots of the considered quadratic equation with the second coefficient 2 n takes the form , where D 1 =n 2 −a c .

It is easy to see that D=4·D 1 , or D 1 =D/4 . In other words, D 1 is the fourth part of the discriminant. It is clear that the sign of D 1 is the same as the sign of D . That is, the sign D 1 is also an indicator of the presence or absence of the roots of the quadratic equation.

So, to solve a quadratic equation with the second coefficient 2 n, you need

• Calculate D 1 =n 2 −a·c ;
• If D 1<0 , то сделать вывод, что действительных корней нет;
• If D 1 =0, then calculate the only root of the equation using the formula;
• If D 1 >0, then find two real roots using the formula.

Consider the solution of the example using the root formula obtained in this paragraph.

Example.

Solve the quadratic equation 5 x 2 −6 x−32=0 .

Decision.

The second coefficient of this equation can be represented as 2·(−3) . That is, you can rewrite the original quadratic equation in the form 5 x 2 +2 (−3) x−32=0 , here a=5 , n=−3 and c=−32 , and calculate the fourth part of the discriminant: D 1 =n 2 −a c=(−3) 2 −5 (−32)=9+160=169. Since its value is positive, the equation has two real roots. We find them using the corresponding root formula:

Note that it was possible to use the usual formula for the roots of a quadratic equation, but in this case, more computational work would have to be done.

Answer:

Simplification of the form of quadratic equations

Sometimes, before embarking on the calculation of the roots of a quadratic equation using formulas, it does not hurt to ask the question: “Is it possible to simplify the form of this equation”? Agree that in terms of calculations it will be easier to solve the quadratic equation 11 x 2 −4 x −6=0 than 1100 x 2 −400 x−600=0 .

Usually, a simplification of the form of a quadratic equation is achieved by multiplying or dividing both sides of it by some number. For example, in the previous paragraph, we managed to achieve a simplification of the equation 1100 x 2 −400 x −600=0 by dividing both sides by 100 .

A similar transformation is carried out with quadratic equations, the coefficients of which are not . In this case, both parts of the equation are usually divided by the absolute values ​​of its coefficients. For example, let's take the quadratic equation 12 x 2 −42 x+48=0. absolute values ​​of its coefficients: gcd(12, 42, 48)= gcd(gcd(12, 42), 48)= gcd(6, 48)=6 . Dividing both parts of the original quadratic equation by 6 , we arrive at the equivalent quadratic equation 2 x 2 −7 x+8=0 .

And the multiplication of both parts of the quadratic equation is usually done to get rid of fractional coefficients. In this case, the multiplication is carried out on the denominators of its coefficients. For example, if both parts of a quadratic equation are multiplied by LCM(6, 3, 1)=6 , then it will take a simpler form x 2 +4 x−18=0 .

In conclusion of this paragraph, we note that almost always get rid of the minus at the highest coefficient of the quadratic equation by changing the signs of all terms, which corresponds to multiplying (or dividing) both parts by −1. For example, usually from the quadratic equation −2·x 2 −3·x+7=0 go to the solution 2·x 2 +3·x−7=0 .

Relationship between roots and coefficients of a quadratic equation

The formula for the roots of a quadratic equation expresses the roots of an equation in terms of its coefficients. Based on the formula of the roots, you can get other relationships between the roots and coefficients.

The most well-known and applicable formulas from the Vieta theorem of the form and . In particular, for the given quadratic equation, the sum of the roots is equal to the second coefficient with the opposite sign, and the product of the roots is the free term. For example, by the form of the quadratic equation 3 x 2 −7 x+22=0, we can immediately say that the sum of its roots is 7/3, and the product of the roots is 22/3.

Using the already written formulas, you can get a number of other relationships between the roots and coefficients of the quadratic equation. For example, you can express the sum of the squares of the roots of a quadratic equation in terms of its coefficients: .

Bibliography.

• Algebra: textbook for 8 cells. general education institutions / [Yu. N. Makarychev, N. G. Mindyuk, K. I. Neshkov, S. B. Suvorova]; ed. S. A. Telyakovsky. - 16th ed. - M. : Education, 2008. - 271 p. : ill. - ISBN 978-5-09-019243-9.
• Mordkovich A. G. Algebra. 8th grade. At 2 p.m. Part 1. Student's textbook educational institutions/ A. G. Mordkovich. - 11th ed., erased. - M.: Mnemozina, 2009. - 215 p.: ill. ISBN 978-5-346-01155-2.

Problems on the quadratic equation are also studied in school curriculum and in universities. They are understood as equations of the form a * x ^ 2 + b * x + c \u003d 0, where x- variable, a,b,c – constants; a<>0 . The problem is to find the roots of the equation.

The geometric meaning of the quadratic equation

The graph of a function that is represented by a quadratic equation is a parabola. The solutions (roots) of a quadratic equation are the points of intersection of the parabola with the x-axis. It follows that there are three possible cases:
1) the parabola has no points of intersection with the x-axis. This means that it is in the upper plane with branches up or the lower one with branches down. In such cases, the quadratic equation has no real roots (it has two complex roots).

2) the parabola has one point of intersection with the axis Ox. Such a point is called the vertex of the parabola, and the quadratic equation in it acquires its minimum or maximum value. In this case, the quadratic equation has one real root (or two identical roots).

3) The last case is more interesting in practice - there are two points of intersection of the parabola with the abscissa axis. This means that there are two real roots of the equation.

Based on the analysis of the coefficients at the powers of the variables, interesting conclusions can be drawn about the placement of the parabola.

1) If the coefficient a is greater than zero, then the parabola is directed upwards, if negative, the branches of the parabola are directed downwards.

2) If the coefficient b is greater than zero, then the vertex of the parabola lies in the left half-plane, if it takes a negative value, then in the right.

Derivation of a formula for solving a quadratic equation

Let's transfer the constant from the quadratic equation

for the equal sign, we get the expression

Multiply both sides by 4a

To get a full square on the left, add b ^ 2 in both parts and perform the transformation

From here we find

Formula of the discriminant and roots of the quadratic equation

The discriminant is the value of the radical expression. If it is positive, then the equation has two real roots, calculated by the formula When the discriminant is zero, the quadratic equation has one solution (two coinciding roots), which are easy to obtain from the above formula for D=0. When the discriminant is negative, there are no real roots. However, to study the solutions of the quadratic equation in the complex plane, and their value is calculated by the formula

Vieta's theorem

Consider two roots of a quadratic equation and construct a quadratic equation on their basis. The Vieta theorem itself easily follows from the notation: if we have a quadratic equation of the form then the sum of its roots is equal to the coefficient p, taken with the opposite sign, and the product of the roots of the equation is equal to the free term q. The formula for the above will look like If the constant a in the classical equation is nonzero, then you need to divide the entire equation by it, and then apply the Vieta theorem.

Schedule of the quadratic equation on factors

Let the task be set: to decompose the quadratic equation into factors. To perform it, we first solve the equation (find the roots). Next, we substitute the found roots into the formula for expanding the quadratic equation. This problem will be solved.

Tasks for a quadratic equation

Task 1. Find the roots of a quadratic equation

x^2-26x+120=0 .

Solution: Write down the coefficients and substitute in the discriminant formula

root of given value equal to 14, it is easy to find it with a calculator, or remember it with frequent use, however, for convenience, at the end of the article I will give you a list of squares of numbers that can often be found in such tasks.
The found value is substituted into the root formula

and we get

Task 2. solve the equation

2x2+x-3=0.

Solution: We have a complete quadratic equation, write out the coefficients and find the discriminant


By known formulas find the roots of the quadratic equation

Task 3. solve the equation

9x2 -12x+4=0.

Solution: We have a complete quadratic equation. Determine the discriminant

We got the case when the roots coincide. We find the values ​​​​of the roots by the formula

Task 4. solve the equation

x^2+x-6=0 .

Solution: In cases where there are small coefficients for x, it is advisable to apply the Vieta theorem. By its condition, we obtain two equations

From the second condition, we get that the product must be equal to -6. This means that one of the roots is negative. We have the following possible pair of solutions(-3;2), (3;-2) . Taking into account the first condition, we reject the second pair of solutions.
The roots of the equation are

Task 5. Find the lengths of the sides of a rectangle if its perimeter is 18 cm and area is 77 cm 2.

Solution: Half the perimeter of a rectangle is equal to the sum of the adjacent sides. Let's denote x - big side, then 18-x is its smaller side. The area of ​​a rectangle is equal to the product of these lengths:
x(18x)=77;
or
x 2 -18x + 77 \u003d 0.
Find the discriminant of the equation

We calculate the roots of the equation

If a x=11, then 18x=7 , vice versa is also true (if x=7, then 21-x=9).

Problem 6. Factorize the quadratic 10x 2 -11x+3=0 equation.

Solution: Calculate the roots of the equation, for this we find the discriminant

We substitute the found value into the formula of the roots and calculate

We apply the formula for expanding the quadratic equation in terms of roots

Expanding the brackets, we get the identity.

Quadratic equation with parameter

Example 1. For what values ​​of the parameter a , does the equation (a-3) x 2 + (3-a) x-1 / 4 \u003d 0 have one root?

Solution: By direct substitution of the value a=3, we see that it has no solution. Further, we will use the fact that with a zero discriminant, the equation has one root of multiplicity 2. Let's write out the discriminant

simplify it and equate to zero

We have obtained a quadratic equation with respect to the parameter a, the solution of which is easy to obtain using the Vieta theorem. The sum of the roots is 7, and their product is 12. By simple enumeration, we establish that the numbers 3.4 will be the roots of the equation. Since we have already rejected the solution a=3 at the beginning of the calculations, the only correct one will be - a=4. Thus, for a = 4, the equation has one root.

Example 2. For what values ​​of the parameter a , the equation a(a+3)x^2+(2a+6)x-3a-9=0 has more than one root?

Solution: Consider first the singular points, they will be the values ​​a=0 and a=-3. When a=0, the equation will be simplified to the form 6x-9=0; x=3/2 and there will be one root. For a= -3 we get the identity 0=0 .
Calculate the discriminant

and find the values ​​of a for which it is positive

From the first condition we get a>3. For the second, we find the discriminant and the roots of the equation


Let's define the intervals where the function takes positive values. By substituting the point a=0 we get 3>0 . So, outside the interval (-3; 1/3) the function is negative. Don't forget the dot a=0 which should be excluded, since the original equation has one root in it.
As a result, we obtain two intervals that satisfy the condition of the problem

There will be many similar tasks in practice, try to deal with the tasks yourself and do not forget to take into account conditions that are mutually exclusive. Study well the formulas for solving quadratic equations, they are quite often needed in calculations in various problems and sciences.

This topic may seem complicated at first due to the many not-so-simple formulas. Not only do the quadratic equations themselves have long entries, but the roots are also found through the discriminant. There are three new formulas in total. Not very easy to remember. This is possible only after the frequent solution of such equations. Then all the formulas will be remembered by themselves.

General view of the quadratic equation

Here their explicit notation is proposed, when the largest degree is written first, and then - in descending order. Often there are situations when the terms stand apart. Then it is better to rewrite the equation in descending order of the degree of the variable.

Let us introduce notation. They are presented in the table below.

If we accept these notations, all quadratic equations are reduced to the following notation.

Moreover, the coefficient a ≠ 0. Let this formula be denoted by number one.

When the equation is given, it is not clear how many roots will be in the answer. Because one of three options is always possible:

• the solution will have two roots;
• the answer will be one number;
• The equation has no roots at all.

And while the decision is not brought to the end, it is difficult to understand which of the options will fall out in a particular case.

Types of records of quadratic equations

Tasks may have different entries. They will not always look like the general formula of a quadratic equation. Sometimes it will lack some terms. What was written above is complete equation. If you remove the second or third term in it, you get something different. These records are also called quadratic equations, only incomplete.

Moreover, only the terms for which the coefficients "b" and "c" can disappear. The number "a" cannot be equal to zero under any circumstances. Because in this case the formula turns into a linear equation. The formulas for the incomplete form of the equations will be as follows:

So, there are only two types, in addition to complete ones, there are also incomplete quadratic equations. Let the first formula be number two, and the second number three.

The discriminant and the dependence of the number of roots on its value

This number must be known in order to calculate the roots of the equation. It can always be calculated, no matter what the formula of the quadratic equation is. In order to calculate the discriminant, you need to use the equality written below, which will have the number four.

After substituting the values ​​of the coefficients into this formula, you can get numbers with different signs. If the answer is yes, then the answer to the equation will be two different roots. With a negative number, the roots of the quadratic equation will be absent. If it is equal to zero, the answer will be one.

How is a complete quadratic equation solved?

In fact, consideration of this issue has already begun. Because first you need to find the discriminant. After it is clarified that there are roots of the quadratic equation, and their number is known, you need to use the formulas for the variables. If there are two roots, then you need to apply such a formula.

Since it contains the “±” sign, there will be two values. The expression under the square root sign is the discriminant. Therefore, the formula can be rewritten in a different way.

Formula five. From the same record it can be seen that if the discriminant is zero, then both roots will take the same values.

If the solution of quadratic equations has not yet been worked out, then it is better to write down the values ​​of all coefficients before applying the discriminant and variable formulas. Later this moment will not cause difficulties. But at the very beginning there is confusion.

How is an incomplete quadratic equation solved?

Everything is much simpler here. Even there is no need for additional formulas. And you won't need those that have already been written for the discriminant and the unknown.

First consider incomplete equation at number two. In this equality, it is supposed to take the unknown value out of the bracket and solve the linear equation, which will remain in the brackets. The answer will have two roots. The first one is necessarily equal to zero, because there is a factor consisting of the variable itself. The second is obtained by solving a linear equation.

The incomplete equation at number three is solved by transferring the number from the left side of the equation to the right. Then you need to divide by the coefficient in front of the unknown. It remains only to extract the square root and do not forget to write it down twice with opposite signs.

The following are some actions that help you learn how to solve all kinds of equalities that turn into quadratic equations. They will help the student to avoid mistakes due to inattention. These shortcomings are the cause of poor grades when studying the extensive topic "Quadric Equations (Grade 8)". Subsequently, these actions will not need to be constantly performed. Because there will be a stable habit.

• First you need to write the equation in standard form. That is, first the term with the largest degree of the variable, and then - without the degree and the last - just a number.

• If a minus appears before the coefficient "a", then it can complicate the work for a beginner to study quadratic equations. It's better to get rid of it. For this purpose, all equality must be multiplied by "-1". This means that all terms will change sign to the opposite.

• In the same way, it is recommended to get rid of fractions. Simply multiply the equation by the appropriate factor so that the denominators cancel out.

Examples

It is required to solve the following quadratic equations:

x 2 - 7x \u003d 0;

15 - 2x - x 2 \u003d 0;

x 2 + 8 + 3x = 0;

12x + x 2 + 36 = 0;

(x+1) 2 + x + 1 = (x+1)(x+2).

The first equation: x 2 - 7x \u003d 0. It is incomplete, therefore it is solved as described for formula number two.

After bracketing, it turns out: x (x - 7) \u003d 0.

The first root takes on the value: x 1 \u003d 0. The second will be found from the linear equation: x - 7 \u003d 0. It is easy to see that x 2 \u003d 7.

Second equation: 5x2 + 30 = 0. Again incomplete. Only it is solved as described for the third formula.

After transferring 30 to the right side of the equation: 5x 2 = 30. Now you need to divide by 5. It turns out: x 2 = 6. The answers will be numbers: x 1 = √6, x 2 = - √6.

Third equation: 15 - 2x - x 2 \u003d 0. Here and below, the solution of quadratic equations will begin by rewriting them into a standard form: - x 2 - 2x + 15 \u003d 0. Now it's time to use the second useful advice and multiply everything by minus one. It turns out x 2 + 2x - 15 \u003d 0. According to the fourth formula, you need to calculate the discriminant: D \u003d 2 2 - 4 * (- 15) \u003d 4 + 60 \u003d 64. It is a positive number. From what was said above, it turns out that the equation has two roots. They need to be calculated according to the fifth formula. According to it, it turns out that x \u003d (-2 ± √64) / 2 \u003d (-2 ± 8) / 2. Then x 1 \u003d 3, x 2 \u003d - 5.

The fourth equation x 2 + 8 + 3x \u003d 0 is converted to this: x 2 + 3x + 8 \u003d 0. Its discriminant is equal to this value: -23. Since this number is negative, the answer to this task will be the following entry: "There are no roots."

The fifth equation 12x + x 2 + 36 = 0 should be rewritten as follows: x 2 + 12x + 36 = 0. After applying the formula for the discriminant, the number zero is obtained. This means that it will have one root, namely: x \u003d -12 / (2 * 1) \u003d -6.

The sixth equation (x + 1) 2 + x + 1 = (x + 1) (x + 2) requires transformations, which consist in the fact that you need to bring like terms, before opening the brackets. In place of the first one there will be such an expression: x 2 + 2x + 1. After equality, this entry will appear: x 2 + 3x + 2. After similar terms are counted, the equation will take the form: x 2 - x \u003d 0. It has become incomplete . Similar to it has already been considered a little higher. The roots of this will be the numbers 0 and 1.

Quadratic equations. Discriminant. Solution, examples.

Attention!
There are additional
material in Special Section 555.
For those who strongly "not very..."
And for those who "very much...")

Types of quadratic equations

What is a quadratic equation? What does it look like? In term quadratic equation keyword is "square". It means that in the equation necessarily there must be an x ​​squared. In addition to it, in the equation there may be (or may not be!) Just x (to the first degree) and just a number (free member). And there should not be x's in a degree greater than two.

In mathematical terms, a quadratic equation is an equation of the form:

Here a, b and c- some numbers. b and c- absolutely any, but a- anything but zero. For example:

Here a =1; b = 3; c = -4

Here a =2; b = -0,5; c = 2,2

Here a =-3; b = 6; c = -18

Well, you get the idea...

In these quadratic equations, on the left, there is full set members. x squared with coefficient a, x to the first power with coefficient b and free member of

Such quadratic equations are called complete.

And if b= 0, what will we get? We have X will disappear in the first degree. This happens from multiplying by zero.) It turns out, for example:

5x 2 -25 = 0,

2x 2 -6x=0,

-x 2 +4x=0

Etc. And if both coefficients b and c are equal to zero, then it is even simpler:

2x 2 \u003d 0,

-0.3x 2 \u003d 0

Such equations, where something is missing, are called incomplete quadratic equations. Which is quite logical.) Please note that x squared is present in all equations.

By the way why a can't be zero? And you substitute instead a zero.) The X in the square will disappear! The equation will become linear. And it's done differently...

That's all the main types of quadratic equations. Complete and incomplete.

Solution of quadratic equations.

Solution of complete quadratic equations.

Quadratic equations are easy to solve. By formulas and clear simple rules. At the first stage, you need given equation lead to standard form, i.e. to the view:

If the equation is already given to you in this form, you do not need to do the first stage.) The main thing is to correctly determine all the coefficients, a, b and c.

The formula for finding the roots of a quadratic equation looks like this:

The expression under the root sign is called discriminant. But more about him below. As you can see, to find x, we use only a, b and c. Those. coefficients from the quadratic equation. Just carefully substitute the values a, b and c into this formula and count. Substitute with your signs! For example, in the equation:

a =1; b = 3; c= -4. Here we write:

Example almost solved:

This is the answer.

Everything is very simple. And what do you think, you can't go wrong? Well, yes, how...

The most common mistakes are confusion with the signs of values a, b and c. Or rather, not with their signs (where is there to get confused?), But with the substitution negative values into the formula for calculating the roots. Here, a detailed record of the formula with specific numbers saves. If there are problems with calculations, so do it!

Suppose we need to solve the following example:

Here a = -6; b = -5; c = -1

Let's say you know that you rarely get answers the first time.

Well, don't be lazy. It will take 30 seconds to write an extra line. And the number of errors will drop sharply. So we write in detail, with all the brackets and signs:

It seems incredibly difficult to paint so carefully. But it only seems. Try it. Well, or choose. Which is better, fast, or right? Besides, I will make you happy. After a while, there will be no need to paint everything so carefully. It will just turn out right. Especially if you apply practical techniques, which are described below. This evil example with a bunch of minuses will be solved easily and without errors!

But, often, quadratic equations look slightly different. For example, like this:

Did you know?) Yes! This is incomplete quadratic equations.

Solution of incomplete quadratic equations.

They can also be solved by the general formula. You just need to correctly figure out what is equal here a, b and c.

Realized? In the first example a = 1; b = -4; a c? It doesn't exist at all! Well, yes, that's right. In mathematics, this means that c = 0 ! That's all. Substitute zero into the formula instead of c, and everything will work out for us. Similarly with the second example. Only zero we don't have here with, a b !

But incomplete quadratic equations can be solved much easier. Without any formulas. Consider the first incomplete equation. What can be done on the left side? You can take the X out of brackets! Let's take it out.

And what from this? And the fact that the product is equal to zero if, and only if any of the factors is equal to zero! Don't believe? Well, then come up with two non-zero numbers that, when multiplied, will give zero!
Does not work? Something...
Therefore, we can confidently write: x 1 = 0, x 2 = 4.

Everything. These will be the roots of our equation. Both fit. When substituting any of them into the original equation, we get the correct identity 0 = 0. As you can see, the solution is much simpler than the general formula. I note, by the way, which X will be the first, and which the second - it is absolutely indifferent. Easy to write in order x 1- whichever is less x 2- that which is more.

The second equation can also be easily solved. We move 9 to the right side. We get:

It remains to extract the root from 9, and that's it. Get:

also two roots . x 1 = -3, x 2 = 3.

This is how all incomplete quadratic equations are solved. Either by taking x out of brackets, or simple transfer numbers to the right, followed by root extraction.
It is extremely difficult to confuse these methods. Simply because in the first case you will have to extract the root from X, which is somehow incomprehensible, and in the second case there is nothing to take out of brackets ...

Discriminant. Discriminant formula.

Magic word discriminant ! A rare high school student has not heard this word! The phrase “decide through the discriminant” is reassuring and reassuring. Because there is no need to wait for tricks from the discriminant! It is simple and trouble-free in handling.) I remind you of the most general formula for solutions any quadratic equations:

The expression under the root sign is called the discriminant. The discriminant is usually denoted by the letter D. Discriminant formula:

D = b 2 - 4ac

And what is so special about this expression? Why does it deserve a special name? What meaning of the discriminant? After all -b, or 2a in this formula they don’t specifically name ... Letters and letters.

The point is this. When solving a quadratic equation using this formula, it is possible only three cases.

1. The discriminant is positive. This means that you can extract the root from it. Whether the root is extracted well or badly is another question. It is important what is extracted in principle. Then your quadratic equation has two roots. Two different solutions.

2. The discriminant is zero. Then you have one solution. Since adding or subtracting zero in the numerator does not change anything. Strictly speaking, this is not a single root, but two identical. But, in a simplified version, it is customary to talk about one solution.

3. The discriminant is negative. A negative number does not take the square root. Well, okay. This means there are no solutions.

To be honest, at simple solution quadratic equations, the concept of discriminant is not particularly required. We substitute the values ​​​​of the coefficients in the formula, and we consider. There everything turns out by itself, and two roots, and one, and not a single one. However, when solving more difficult tasks, without knowledge meaning and discriminant formula not enough. Especially - in equations with parameters. Such equations are aerobatics for the GIA and the Unified State Examination!)

So, how to solve quadratic equations through the discriminant you remembered. Or learned, which is also not bad.) You know how to correctly identify a, b and c. Do you know how attentively substitute them into the root formula and attentively count the result. Did you understand that the key word here is - attentively?

Now take note of the practical techniques that dramatically reduce the number of errors. The very ones that are due to inattention ... For which it is then painful and insulting ...

First reception . Do not be lazy before solving a quadratic equation to bring it to a standard form. What does this mean?
Suppose, after any transformations, you get the following equation:

Do not rush to write the formula of the roots! You will almost certainly mix up the odds a, b and c. Build the example correctly. First, x squared, then without a square, then a free member. Like this:

And again, do not rush! The minus before the x squared can upset you a lot. Forgetting it is easy... Get rid of the minus. How? Yes, as taught in the previous topic! We need to multiply the whole equation by -1. We get:

And now you can safely write down the formula for the roots, calculate the discriminant and complete the example. Decide on your own. You should end up with roots 2 and -1.

Second reception. Check your roots! According to Vieta's theorem. Don't worry, I'll explain everything! Checking last thing the equation. Those. the one by which we wrote down the formula of the roots. If (as in this example) the coefficient a = 1, check the roots easily. It is enough to multiply them. You should get a free term, i.e. in our case -2. Pay attention, not 2, but -2! free member with your sign . If it didn’t work out, it means they already messed up somewhere. Look for an error.

If it worked out, you need to fold the roots. Last and final check. Should be a ratio b with opposite sign. In our case -1+2 = +1. A coefficient b, which is before the x, is equal to -1. So, everything is right!
It is a pity that it is so simple only for examples where x squared is pure, with a coefficient a = 1. But at least check in such equations! Everything less mistakes will.

Reception third . If your equation has fractional coefficients, get rid of the fractions! Multiply the equation by the common denominator as described in the lesson "How to solve equations? Identity transformations". When working with fractions, errors, for some reason, climb ...

By the way, I promised an evil example with a bunch of minuses to simplify. You are welcome! There he is.

In order not to get confused in the minuses, we multiply the equation by -1. We get:

That's all! Deciding is fun!

So let's recap the topic.

Practical Tips:

1. Before solving, we bring the quadratic equation to the standard form, build it right.

2. If there is a negative coefficient in front of the x in the square, we eliminate it by multiplying the entire equation by -1.

3. If the coefficients are fractional, we eliminate the fractions by multiplying the entire equation by the corresponding factor.

4. If x squared is pure, the coefficient for it is equal to one, the solution can be easily checked by Vieta's theorem. Do it!

Now you can decide.)

Solve Equations:

8x 2 - 6x + 1 = 0

x 2 + 3x + 8 = 0

x 2 - 4x + 4 = 0

(x+1) 2 + x + 1 = (x+1)(x+2)

Answers (in disarray):

x 1 = 0
x 2 = 5

x 1.2 =2

x 1 = 2
x 2 \u003d -0.5

x - any number

x 1 = -3
x 2 = 3

no solutions

x 1 = 0.25
x 2 \u003d 0.5

Does everything fit? Fine! Quadratic equations are not yours headache. The first three turned out, but the rest did not? Then the problem is not in quadratic equations. The problem is in identical transformations of equations. Take a look at the link, it's helpful.

Doesn't quite work? Or does it not work at all? Then Section 555 will help you. There, all these examples are sorted by bones. Showing main errors in the solution. Of course, it also talks about the use identical transformations in solving various equations. Helps a lot!

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By the way, I have a couple more interesting sites for you.)

You can practice solving examples and find out your level. Testing with instant verification. Learning - with interest!)

you can get acquainted with functions and derivatives.