Final answer:
The quadratic formula is used to find the values of x in a quadratic equation. It is represented as x = -b ± √(b² - 4ac) / 2a. By substituting the values of a, b, and c from the equation into the formula, you can find the two possible solutions for x. It is important to check the solutions by substituting them back into the original equation.
Step-by-step explanation:
x = -b ± √(b² - 4ac) / 2a
The equation you provided is the quadratic formula which gives the values of x in a quadratic equation. The quadratic formula is used to solve equations of the form ax² + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants. In your equation, x represents the value(s) of the variable that satisfy the equation.
To calculate the value(s) of x, you need to substitute the values of a, b, and c from the given equation into the quadratic formula and simplify.
Then, you can use the ± symbol to find two possible solutions for x. The values of x may be real or complex, depending on the values of a, b, and c in the original equation.
For example, if you have the equation x² + 2x - 3 = 0, you can directly compare it to the general form ax² + bx + c = 0. In this case, a = 1, b = 2, and c = -3.
Substituting these values into the quadratic formula, you get x = -2 ± √(2² - 4(1)(-3)) / 2(1). By simplifying the expression, you find the two solutions x = 1 and x = -3.
Remember to always check your solutions by substituting them back into the original equation to ensure they satisfy the equation.