Quadratic Formula:
From: | To: |
The quadratic formula provides the solutions to quadratic equations of the form ax² + bx + c = 0. It is one of the most important formulas in algebra and is used to find the roots (solutions) of any quadratic equation.
The calculator uses the quadratic formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the roots by considering the discriminant (b² - 4ac) which determines the nature of the roots.
Details: Quadratic equations appear in various fields including physics, engineering, economics, and optimization problems. They describe parabolic relationships between variables.
Tips: Enter the coefficients a, b, and c from your quadratic equation. The calculator will display real or complex roots depending on the discriminant value.
Q1: What if I get complex roots?
A: Complex roots occur when the discriminant is negative, meaning the parabola doesn't intersect the x-axis. The solutions are valid in complex number system.
Q2: What if coefficient a is zero?
A: The equation becomes linear (not quadratic). The calculator will show an error message in this case.
Q3: How precise are the results?
A: Results are rounded to 4 decimal places for readability, but calculations use full precision.
Q4: Can I use fractions or decimals?
A: Yes, the calculator accepts both decimal and fractional inputs (entered as decimals).
Q5: What are some practical applications?
A: Used in projectile motion calculations, optimization problems, signal processing, and many physics/engineering applications.