This key facts covers THE Formula (Memorise This!) within Quadratic Formula for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Quadratic Formula in Algebra for GCSE Mathematics with 11 exam-style questions and 5 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 2 of 8 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
THE Formula (Memorise This!)
For ax² + bx + c = 0:
x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a
What each letter means:
- a = coefficient of x² (number in front of x²)
- b = coefficient of x (number in front of x)
- c = constant term (the number on its own)
The ± symbol means you do TWO calculations: once with + and once with -. This gives your two solutions!
Practice questions for Quadratic Formula
For the equation 3x² − 5x + 2 = 0, what are the values of a, b, and c in the quadratic formula?
Explain what the value of the discriminant (b² − 4ac) tells you about the solutions to a quadratic equation.