The problem asks how the quadratic formula is used to solve a quadratic equation. We need to choose the correct answer from the given options.
2025/4/21
1. Problem Description
The problem asks how the quadratic formula is used to solve a quadratic equation. We need to choose the correct answer from the given options.
2. Solution Steps
The quadratic formula is used to find the roots (solutions) of a quadratic equation in the standard form . The formula is:
To use the quadratic formula:
1. Ensure the quadratic equation is in standard form ($ax^2 + bx + c = 0$).
2. Identify the coefficients $a$, $b$, and $c$.
3. Substitute the values of $a$, $b$, and $c$ into the quadratic formula.
4. Simplify the expression to find the two possible values of $x$, which are the roots of the equation.
Based on the steps above, we can evaluate the options:
A. Use the square root property to find the roots of the quadratic equation. Then substitute the values of the roots into the quadratic formula. - This is incorrect because the square root property solves special quadratic equations, but it's not directly related to the quadratic formula itself.
B. Place the quadratic equation in standard form. Find a, b, and c. Substitute these values into the quadratic formula. - This accurately describes the correct process.
C. Complete the square for the quadratic equation. Substitute the rewritten equation into the quadratic formula. - Completing the square is another method to solve quadratic equations, but it's not part of the process of using the quadratic formula.
D. Factor the quadratic equation. Then substitute the values of the roots into the quadratic formula. - Factoring is a method to solve quadratic equations; the quadratic formula would not be needed.
3. Final Answer
B. Place the quadratic equation in standard form. Find a, b, and c. Substitute these values into the quadratic formula.