In this lesson, we wish to use the Quadratic Formula to solve quadratic equations. What's so special about the Quadratic Formula? IT ALWAYS WORKS! That's right, regardless of the numbers, this method always works. Let's begin by getting the stuff we need to start solving.
The standard form of a quadratic equation is 
. Notice that the equation is equal to zero. This is important. To ue the Quadratic Formula, our equation MUST be equal to zero.
The quadratic formula looks intimidating at first, but it uses the same letters as standard form. Let's look at what the Quadratic Formula looks like.
*It is important to note that the b is squared. That means we need to use parenthesis when we calculate the value.
Now, let's look at an example of how to use this wonderful tool to do some algebra.
Solving the quadratic equation 
using the quadratic formula.
Step 1: Make sure the equation is equal to zero.
This step is done for us! Great!
Step 2: Determine what the values of a, b, and c are in the equation.
Here the value of a is one. Even thought doesn't look like there is a number in front of 
, there is: one! The value of b is 2, and the value of c is one.
Step 3: Substitute your values from Step 2 into the Quadratic Formula.
Notice what I did there? I put ALL of the values in parenthesis. This will help me from making an error in my arithmetic later on in the problem.
Step 4: Simplify
, the square root of zero is zero, so that goes away.
And we're done simplifying!
Step 5: Check your answer.
It is a good habit to always check your answer to make sure that you did your work correctly. We do this by plugging in the value we found (
) back into our original equation.
, since one squared is one and 2 times negative 1 is negative 2
!
That is what we wanted! And we're done!
Some people have a hard time remembering the Quadratic Formula. This little song may help!
