Algebra I Recipe: The Quadratic Formula

By G Redden

Quadratic Formula x =
  1. Set the equation equal to zero.
  2. Determine the values of a, b, c.
  3. Substitute the values into the formula.
  4. Simplify using order of operations.
    • Once simplified, for the ±, set up one equation with "+" and another with "-".
  5. These x-values are the solutions as well as the x-intercepts of the graph.
2x2 + x = 5
x2 - x = 5x - 9
Companion Exercises Practice Problems