1. When is it required to use the quadratic formula?

I don't mean ax2+ bx + c

I mean the other formula with the square root. Btw i don't know how to type the formula here, but I assume you know which formula I'm talking about

2. Originally Posted by abel muroi
I don't mean ax2+ bx + c

I mean the other formula with the square root. Btw i don't know how to type the formula here, but I assume you know which formula I'm talking about
Please post a problem - so that we discuss the specifics.

We cannot discuss generalities here - you need to ask that in your classroom.

3. Originally Posted by Subhotosh Khan
Please post a problem - so that we discuss the specifics.

We cannot discuss generalities here - you need to ask that in your classroom.
OK so i was given this problem..

p(x) = x4 + 4x2

can i use the quadratic formula for this problem? even though it doesn't have a third term?

4. Originally Posted by abel muroi
OK so i was given this problem..

p(x) = x3 - 2x2 + 2x

can i use the quadratic formula for this problem?
You are not asking a question. Are you trying to find p(5). If so, then you do not need to use the quadratic equation. If you want to find the y-intercept then you let x=0 and do not use the quadratic formula. If you want to know what happens to p(x) when x is very large you do not use the quadratic formula.
In fact you never have to use the quadratic formula.

Also most people would only think about using the quadratic formula when the function is quadratic not cubic.

You seem to have the idea that given a particular function that there is just one thing to do to it so there is no need to ask a question because the question is obvious. Move away from that thinking.

Good luck.

5. Originally Posted by abel muroi
OK so i was given this problem..

p(x) = x4 + 4x2

can i use the quadratic formula for this problem? even though it doesn't have a third term?
You are not telling us what did you need to do!! That's what will determine whether you need to use quadratic for this problem - or not. Please be complete!!

6. Originally Posted by abel muroi
OK so i was given this problem..

p(x) = x4 + 4x2

can i use the quadratic formula for this problem? even though it doesn't have a third term?
Abel, all you did was change the function! You still are not asking a question. For the record p(1) = 5 and I did not use the quadratic formula.

7. Originally Posted by Jomo
Abel, all you did was change the function! You still are not asking a question. For the record p(1) = 5 and I did not use the quadratic formula.
sorry, the problem is asking me to find the complex roots of the function..

but my question is... how can i factor out this function?

I think you mean "the quadratic formula". You can use the quadratic formula for any quadratic equation to find the solutions. The solutions are the x-coordinates of the intersection of the curve with the x-axis. When the curve does not cross the x-axis you get a minus sign inside the square root and you cannot take a minus sign of a square.

Posting Permissions

• You may not post new threads
• You may not post replies
• You may not post attachments
• You may not edit your posts
•