Final answer:
To solve quadratic equations using the quadratic formula, identify the coefficients, write down the formula, substitute the values, calculate the discriminant, perform the arithmetic operations, and check your answers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Steps to Solve Quadratic Equations Using the Quadratic Formula
When solving a quadratic equation using the quadratic formula, you need to follow these steps:
Identify the coefficients of the quadratic equation ax² + bx + c = 0, where 'a' is the coefficient of x², 'b' is the coefficient of x, and 'c' is the constant term.
Write down the quadratic formula: x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a).
Substitute the values of 'a', 'b', and 'c' into the quadratic formula.
Calculate the discriminant, which is the part under the square root sign (b² - 4ac) to determine if there are two real solutions, one real solution, or two complex solutions.
Solve for x by performing the arithmetic operations: first calculate the square root, then the addition or subtraction, followed by the division.
Check your answers by substituting them back into the original equation to ensure they are correct.
By following these steps, you will find the solutions or roots of the quadratic equation. It's important to work through each step carefully, ensuring all arithmetic is accurate and checking units if it's a physics problem or another subject involving measurements.