quadratic formula proof
Answers
ax2 + bx + c = 0
Divide both sides of the equation by a so you can complete the square
Proof of the quadratic formula
Proof of the quadratic formula
Subtract c/a from both sides
Proof of the quadratic formula
Proof of the quadratic formula
Complete the square:
The coefficient of the second term is b/a
Divide this coefficient by 2 and square the result to get (b/2a)2
Add (b/2a)2 to both sides:
Proof of the quadratic formula
Since the left side of the equation right above is a perfect square, you can factor the left side by using the coefficient of the first term (x) and the base of the last term(b/2a)
Add these two and raise everything to the second.
Proof of the quadratic formula
Get the same denominator on the right side:
Proof of the quadratic formula
Proof of the quadratic formula
Now, take the square root of each side:
Proof of the quadratic formula
Simplify the left side:
Proof of the quadratic formula
Proof of the quadratic formula
Rewrite the right side:
Proof of the quadratic formula
Subtract b/2a from both sides:
Proof of the quadratic formula
Proof of the quadratic formula
Adding the numerator and keeping the same denominator, we get the quadratic formula:
Proof of the quadratic formula
The + - between the b and the square root sign means plus or negative. In other words, most of the time, you will get two answers when using the quadratic formula.
Answer:
To prove:
Proof:
We will start with the the standard form of a quadratic equation,
Now, divide both sides of the equation by 'a' so you can complete the square,
Now, Subtract c/a from both sides.
Now, by using completing the square method.
Add (b/2a)² to both sides to complete the square,
Now, we see that left hand side equation is perfect square.
Now, square the right side to get (b²)/(4a²).
Get the same denominator on the right side:
Now, take the square root of each side,
Now, Simplify the left side,
Rewrite the right sides,
Now, Subtract b/2a from both sides,
Adding the numerator and keeping the same denominator, we get the quadratic formula,