2. Definition of a Quadratic Equation
A quadratic equation in x is an equation that can be written
in the general form
ax 2 + bx + x = 0,
where a, b, and c are real numbers, with a ≠ 0. A quadratic
equation in x is also called a second-degree polynomial
equation in x.
4. The Zero-Product Principle
If the product of two algebraic expressions
is zero, then at least one of the factors is
equal to zero.
If AB=0, then A=0 or B=0
5. Solving a Quadratic Equation by Factoring
1. If necessary, rewrite the equation in the general
form ax 2 +bx+c=0, moving all terms to one side,
thereby obtaining zero on the other side.
2. Factor completely.
3. Apply the zero-product principle, setting each factor
containing a variable equal to zero.
4. Solve the equations in step 3.
5. Check the solutions in the original equation
9. Graphing Calculator
The real solutions of a quadratic equation
ax2+bx+c=0 correspond to the x-intercepts of
the graph. The U shaped graph shown below
has two x intercepts. When y=0, the value(s) of
x will be the solution to the equation. Since y=0
these are called the zeros of the function.
10. Solving Polynomial Equations using the Graphing Calculator
By pressing 2nd Trace to get Calc, then the #2,you get the
zeros. It will ask you for left and right bounds, and then a
guess. For left and right bounds move the blinking cursor
(using the arrow keys-cursor keys) to the left and press
enter. Then move the cursor to the right of the x intercept
and press enter. Press enter when asked to guess. Then you
get the zeros or solution.
Repeat this process for
each x intercept.
12. The Square Root Property
If u is an algebraic expression and d is a
2
nonzero real number, then u =d has
exactly two solutions.
If u = d , then u= d or u=- d.
Equivalently,
2
If u 2 = d , then u= ± d.
16. Completing the Square
2
b
If x 2 + bx is a binomial, then by adding ÷ ,
2
which is the square of half the coefficient of x,
a perfect square trinomial will result. That is,
2
b
b
x + bx+ ÷ = x + ÷
2
2
2
2
2
x +8x
8
add ÷
2
2
x − 7x
2
-7
add ÷
2
18. Example
What term should be added to each binomial so
that it becomes a perfect square trinomial?
Write and factor the trinomial.
x + 10 x
2
x − 9x
2
22. The Quadratic Formula
The solutions of a quadratic equation in general
form ax 2 + bx+c=0, with a ≠ 0, are given by the
quadratic formula
-b ± b 2 − 4ac
x=
2a
31. The Pythagorean Theorem
The sum of the squares of the
lengths of the legs of a right
triangle equals the square of the
length of the hypotenuse.
If the legs have lengths a and b,
and the hypotenuse has length c,
then a 2 + b 2 = c 2
32. Example
A machine produces open boxes using square sheets of metal. The
figure illustrates that the machine cuts equal sized squares measuring
2 inches on a side from the corners, and then shapes the metal into an
open box. Write the equation for the volume of this box. If the volume is
50 cubic inches, what is the length of the side of the original metal.
33. Example
42 inches
26 inches
A 42 inch television is a television whose screen’s
diagonal length is 42 inches. If a television’s
screen height is 26 inches, find the width of the
television screen
