Worked example
2x² + 3x − 2 = 0
- Use a = 2, b = 3, c = −2.
- Δ = 3² − 4(2)(−2) = 25.
- x = (−3 ± 5)/4, so x = 1/2 or x = −2.
- Both values produce zero when substituted.
Math guide
One formula for every quadratic equation.
Understand every symbol in the quadratic formula and apply it to a complete worked example.
For ax² + bx + c = 0 with a ≠ 0, x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac))/(2a). The ± sign represents two candidates; the discriminant determines whether they are real and distinct.
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