#Quadratic formula calculator with steps how to

The roots of a quadratic function are the x-intercepts, which are the points where the parabola crosses the x-axis. When you are asked to solve a quadratic equation, you are really being asked to find the roots (or solutions). The quadratic formula looks like this:Įvery quadratic equation gives two values of the unknown variable (x) and these values are called roots of the equation. The quadratic formula is used to find the solution to a quadratic equation. The shape of the curve is reflected over this line. If you draw a vertical line through the vertex, you create the axis of symmetry, which is an imaginary line that cuts the parabola in half equally. The vertex of a parabola is the point at the bottom of the u curve. The farther away from 0 the number is, the skinnier the curve will be. The closer to zero the value is, the wider the curve will be. This depends on the value of the leading coefficient. The leading coefficient can tell you more than just the orientation of the parabola, it also determines how wide or skinny the u-curve is. One absolute rule is that the first constant, a, can never be equal to zero. In standard form, a, b, and c are all constants or numerical coefficients. The coefficient of x² is called the leading coefficient, and is represented by the variable a. When the leading coefficient is negative, the curve is upside down, with the opening facing down. When the leading coefficient is positive, the curve is oriented like the letter u, with the opening facing up. When graphed on a coordinate plane, a quadratic equation creates a parabola, which is a u-shaped curve. The standard form of a quadratic equation looks like this: Quadratic EquationsĪ quadratic equation (also referred to as a quadratic function) is a polynomial whose highest exponent is 2. In case you're new, need a refresher, or appreciate the knowledge, here are some helpful terms and descriptions to assist your calculations. Important Terms for Quadratic Equations Important Terms for Quadratic Equations Click Reset to clear the calculator and enter new values.After pressing Solve, your resulting roots would be -2 and -3.For example, for the quadratic equation below, you would enter 1, 5 and 6. The results will appear in the boxes labeled Root 1 and Root 2.Enter the corresponding values into the boxes below and click Solve.

#Quadratic formula calculator with steps how to

How to Use the Quadratic Equation Calculator To better learn how to solve the equations on your own-and because practice helps improve your skills-we encourage you to solve the problems on your own first and use our calculator to make sure your answer is correct last. Even though our calculator is efficient at finding an answer to your problems, it doesn't reveal any of the steps involved in solving a quadratic equation. Our quadratic equation calculator is here to find solutions (roots) and check your work-but it does not provide any shortcuts.